;!«iKi;i;ai!i:!i:i^^^ 



...i :-;i,;'i}i>'' 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 





D0D17TTfllibA 



ORIGIN AND GOVERNMENT 



OF THE 



DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 



BY 



WILI.IAN1 XIND^VLL 



JUNE, 1903 



WASHINGTON 

GOVERNMENT 'printing OFFICE 

1903 



ORIGIN AND GOVERNMENT 






OF THE 



DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 



BY 



W^ILLI.\M TINDALL 



JUNE, 1903 



J - O » , 



WASHINGTON 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 

1903 



^UG 14 1903 
D. of D. 



• •• ; • 



« .« • .• 



PREFACE. 



The distinctive object of this compilation is to present in chrono- 
logical order the essential features of the principal legislative and 
oflScial measures affecting- the origin, establishment, and local govern- 
ment of the permanent seat of government of the United States, but a 
number of historical facts of general interest and not strictl}^ within 
that category have been included. 

It is arranged in two parts, the first of which embraces the period 
prior to the creation of the present form of government for the Dis- 
trict; the other pertains to the form of government now in vogue. 

Several of the statutes mentioned in the pamphlet are appended, but 
most of them are only cited by the number and page of the statute at 
large in which they are respectively published. The page references, 
which frequently occur in this work, relate to the folios in the 
appendices: L. A. to Legislative Assembly laws, and AY. D. to Webb's 
Digest of the laws of the city of Washington. 

The only time which has been available for the preparation of this 
pamphlet has ))een brief and desultory intermissions in the work of 
the office. It is therefore necessarily restricted in its details, and 
crude in arrangement, but, it is hoped, will be measurably useful to 
those seeking only general information on the subject of which it 
treats, while it may form a convenient groundwork for more thorough 
and skillful efforts by others in the same direction. I am indebted to 
Mr. Louis C. Wilson of the Commissioner's office for assistance in 
verifying transcripts and references embraced in the work, and to the 
assessor's report for the fiscal j^ear 1903 for a portion of the data con- 
tained in the article on the subject of taxes and assessments. 

William Tindall. 
June 2, 1903. 

3 



oia(;m and government of the district of Columbia. 



Tlic District of Coluinhiii is the scat of g'overniiicut of the United 
States of America. 

LOCATION AND TOPOGRAPHY. 

It is situated on th(^ hd't or eastern l)ank of the Potomac River, 106 
mih^s from its entrance into C/hesapeake Bay and about 185 miles, via 
said riv^er and bay, from the Atlantic Ocean. 

The center of the Disti'ict, as oriuinally established, was in longitude 
77'^ 02' 27.745" west of (xreenwich; in north latitude 38° 53' 34.915", 
and in the vicinity of Seventeenth and C streets NVV., in s(iuare south 
of S(|uare No. 173, in the city of Washington; but, as a consequence 
of the reti'ocession to Virginia of the portion of the District derived 
from that State, tlu^ original centc^r ])oint is now nearly on the south- 
western border, although it is still approximat(>ly midway l)etween the 
eastern and western extremes. It is 1,305 feet north and 1,579 feet 
west of the Washington Monument. 

The District consists topographically of an ui-l)an section, named 
"the city of Washington," and of a suburban and agricultural section, 
which contains a mnn))er of unincorporated villages. It embraces an 
area of (59.245 s(iuare miles, 00.01 square miles of which are land. Its 
surface is generally irregular and undulating, rising from the level of 
mean low tide in the contiguous Potomac iiiver to an eie\'ation of 420 
feet at the highest point, which is about a half mile soutlieastwardly 
from the middU^ of its northwestern boundary. 

The main branch of the Potomac River foi-ms the southwestern 
boundary. It is joined from the east, about 3 miles north of the 
southern apex of the District, ])y the Anacostia River, or Eastern 
Branch, which Hows through the District in a southwesterly course to 
that point. 

The navigation of the Potomac for vessels of conmierce practically 
terminates at the Aipieiluct Bridge, about 3 mih^.s from its junction 
with the Anacostia; the like navigation of the Anacostia stops at the 
Navy -Yard Bridge, about 2 miles above its junction with the Potomac. 

5 



6 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

AUTHORITY von ITS ESTABLISHMENT. 

The Disli-ict of C()luni])iti Avas estaMished as the seat of gov^ernmeut 
of the United States by proeeedino-s taken under authorit}' and direc- 
tion of the acts of Congress approved fhily Hi, I7l>0, entitled "An act 
for establishing the teniporary and permanent seat of the Government 
of the United States" (1 Stats., 180) (pp. 72, 75, and 81), and the act of 
Marcli 3, 171>1, entitled ""An ai^t to amend 'An aet for establishing the 
temporary and permanent seat of the Government of the United 
States'"' (1 Stats.. 214) (p. 81). Those acts were passed pursuant to 
the following provision contained in the eighth section of the first 
article of the Constitution of the United States, enumerating the 
powers of Congress, viz: 

To exercise exclusive legislation, in all cases whatsoever, over such district (not 
exceeding 10 miles square) as may, by cession of partitailar States, and the accept- 
ance of Congress, become the seat of the Government of the United States, and to 
exercise like authority over all places purcliased by the consent of the legislature of 
the State in which the same shall be, for the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, 
dockyards, and other needful Iniildings. 

An a]>stra('t of th(> Congressional proceedings prior to the passage 
of said acts, on the subject of locating the seat of government, is 
contained in A])pendix 1. 

The right lo exercise exclusive authority at the seat of government 
w^as conferred upon Congress to enable it to provide for the conven- 
ience and protection of the several agencies of government there in 
a manner compatible with the needs and dignity of the nation. Among 
the considerations w hich led to the investiture of Congress with such 
absolute jurisdiction were the facts that in June, 1783, the Continental 
Congress removed from Philadelphia in consequence of a hostile demon- 
station which was made toward it by a body of soldiers of the Revo- 
lutionary Army, impatient at the long neglect to pay them for their 
services, and the admission of the authorities of that city and of the 
State of Pennsylvania that they wi're unable to 'protect it from the 
threatened intimidation (p. 31). 

With reference to this grant of exclusive legislation, Mr. Harper, 
on December 31, 1800, made the following statement in Congress in 
repl}" to an observation that it was not necessary for Congress to 
legislate iov the govermuent of the District of Columbia, as the people 
of the District had lived happily for one hundred 3'ears under their 
respective State governments: 

But the provision of the Constitution on this subject had not been made with this 
view. It was made to bestoM' dignity and independence on the Government of the 
Union. It w as to protect it from sue h outrages as had occurred when it was differ- 
ently situated, when it was without t-ompetent legislative, executive, and judicial 
power to insure to itself respect. While the Government was under the guardian- 
ship of State laws, those laws might be inadequate to its protection, or there might 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 7 

exist a spirit iiostile to the General Government, or, at any rate, indisposed to give it 
proper protection. Tliis was one reason, among others, for the provisions of the 
Constitution contirmed and carried into effect hy the acts of Maryland and Virginia 
and by the act of Congress ( p. 7(>) . See Mr. Madison's views on same subject (p. 140). 

SITES FIRST SELECTED. 

The Congress of the Confederation resolved on October 7, 1783, 
"that buildings for the use of Congress be erected on or near the 
banks of the Delaware or of the Potomac, provided a .suitable district 
can be procured on one of the rivers as aforesaid for a Federal town, 
and the right of .soil and an exclusive or such other jurisdiction as 
Congress may direct shall be vested in the United States." Also, 
" that the place on the Delaware for erecting buildings for the use of 
Congress be near the falls " (p. 39). 

On the 21st of that month it was resolved "that buildings l)c like- 
wise erected for the use of Congress at or near the lower falls of the 
Potomac or Georgetown " (p. 42). 

An appropriation of $100,000 was made on December 20, 1784, to 
erect the neces.sarv l)uildings (p. 47). 

On December 23, 1784, Congress ordained that "three coumiission- 
ers be appointed with full i^owers to lay out a district of not less than 
2 nor exceeding 3 miles square, on the banks of either side of the Dela- 
ware, not more than 8 miles above or ])elow the falls thereof, for a 
Federal town," etc., and on February 10 and 11 appointed Philip 
Schuyler, Philemon Dickinson, and Robert Morris as such commis- 
sioners. Philip Schuyler declined to accept the ofBce, and on March 
16 John Brown was appointed in hi.s stead; but the proceedings of 
Congress do not show that any further action was taken under that 
ordinance (pp. 47, 48, 49, 50). 

None of these measures were carried into eflect, but the whole sub- 
ject of providing a seat of government was deferred by a resolution of 
August 6, 1788, to the consideration of the Congress provided for by 
the Constitution (p. 55). 

In September, 1789, the Senate and House passed, on different days, 
a bill to locate the seat of government at Germantown, Pa.; but its 
final consideration on amendments having been deferred until the next 
session it never became a law (p. 60). 

SELECTION OF THE PRESENT SITE. 

The requisite area for the present site of the seat of government 
was offered to Congress by the States of Maryland and Virginia. The 
former State, by an act of its general assembh^ passed Diu'ember 23, 
1788, directed its Representatives in the House of Representatives of 
the Congress of the United States to cede to the Congress of the 
United States any district in said State not exceeding 10 miles square 



8 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

which the Congress might fix upon and accept for the seat of govern- 
ment (p. 82). The latter State, by an act of its general assembh^ 
passed December 3, 1789, ceded a like tract or any lesser quantity of 
Virginia territory for the same purpose (p. 82). 

A tract 10 miles square on the ))anks of the Delaware was also ofl'ered 
by certain citizens of Pennsylvania and New Jerse}^ as a site for the 
seat of government (p. 64). 

The general assembly" of Maryland, by an act passed December 19, 
1791, formally ratified the cession provided for in its act of December 
23, 1788 (p. 96). 

Maryland also gave $72,000 (p. 101), and loaned $250,000 more for 
the erection of public buildings in the District for the use of the Gen- 
eral Government. Virginia made a grant of $120,000 for the same 
purpose in case of the acceptan^-e by Congress of the cession of the site 
oflered by it for the seat of government (p. 83). 

The southern limit of the area of selection for the site of the Dis- 
trict was placed by the act of March 3, 1791, at Hunting Creek, an 
estuary of the Potomac River which enters that river from the west 
immediately })elow Alexandria, Va. The northern limit was fixed by 
the act of July 16, 1790, at a small stream named "• Connogochegue 
Creek,'" which enters the Potomac River from the north, at Williams- 
port, Md., about 80 miles above the southern limit. 

In anticipation of the enactment of the statute of March 3, 1791, and 
to advance the work of locating the Itoundary lines of the District as 
far as possible pending its consideration, a tentative boundary of the 
District was laid out by Commissioners Thomas Johnson, David Stu- 
art, and Daniel Carroll, who were appointed by Pi-esident Washington 
on January 22, 1791 (p. 81), pursuant to the act of July 16, 1790, and 
directed by a Presidential proclamation dated January 24, 1791 (p. 89), to 
proceed forthwith to make a preliminary survey, or, in the President's 
words, to run "lines of experiment," which were substantially in 
accord with the lines subsequently adopted as her,einafter mentioned. 

Mr. Carroll was a Delegate from Maryland, in the House of Repre- 
sentatives of the United States, when this appointment was first made, 
and declined to accept it while a member of Congress. Consequently 
only two Commissioners were on duty until March 4, 1791, when Mr. 
Carroll's Congressional term expired and he accepted a new commis- 
sion which the President sent to him. 

The point of beginning- for the lines of experiment was found by 
"running from the court-house of Alexandria, in Virginia, due south- 
west half a mile, and thence a due southeast course, till it shall strike 
Hunting Creek" (p. ^9). 

The area of selection having been enlarged by the act of March 3, 
1791, the site of the District was finally located, partly in Prince 
George and Montgomery counties, in the State of Maryland, and 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 



9 



partly in Fairfax Count3% in the State of Virginia, by proclamation of 
President George Washington, March 30, 1791, within the following 
bounds: 

Beginning at Jones Point, being the upper cape of Hunting Creek, in Virginia, and 
at an angle in the outset of 45 degrees west of the nortli, and running in a direct line 
10 miles for the first line; then beginning again at the same Jones Point, and run- 
ning another direct line at a right angle with the first across the Potomac 10 miles 




Southwestern side, 10 miles 230.6 feet. 
Northeastern side, 10 miles 263.1 feet. 
Southeastern side, 10 miles 70.5 feet. 
Northwestern side, 10 miles 63 feet. 

for the second line; then from the terminations of the said first and second lines 
running two otlier direct lines of 10 miles each, the one crossing the Eastern Branch 
aforesaid and the other the Potomac, and meeting each other in a point (p. 90). 



10 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

The corner stone which indicates the point of bei»inning in the 
boundaries of the District was laid at riones Point, on the Virginia 
sliore, with Masonic ceremonies, April IT), 1791, and now forms part 
of tlie foundation of the retaininp' wall of the terrace or yarden around 
the flones I'oint lioht- house. It is undei- the o-atewav, and almost 
directly south of the center of the light-house, on the north bank of 
Hunting Creek. ^ 

A surve}' of the District, which was conunenccd in 18M1 under the 
direction of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, demon- 
strated that the boundary lines as laid down by the commissioners in 
1790 are incorrect. The northern point is 116 feet west of the merid- 
ian running through the southern corner, and each of the sides exceeds 
10 miles in length." (See cut, page 5>.) 

Tlu^ land boundary of the District of ('olumbia is marked on the 
ground by sandstone mileposts 1 foot square and 2 feet high, munbered 
from 1 to 9, from right to left. They bear on the side facing the Dis 
trict the legend, ''Jurisdiction of the United States,"" and the number 
of miles the}' respectively are from the corner at which the numerical 
series to which they l)elong begins. On the opposite side they bear 
the inscription "Maryland,'' on the third side the year 1792, and on 
the fourth side the variations of the compass. 

TOWNS IN THE DISTRICT AT TIME OF (SESSION. 

At the time the District was established three towns existed in the 
portion of it which was ceded from Maryland, nanndy, (leorgetown, 
CarroUsburg, and Hamburg. The last two. althougii they were laid 
out on the records, had no corporeal existence. CarroUsburg was the 
name of a tract on the northern bank of the Eastern Branch east of 
Arsenal Point, containing lt)0 acres, subdivided into '■Jii^^ lots, under a 
deed of trust recorded at " iNlarl borough," Md., November 2, 1770. 
Hamburg, sometimes called Funkstown, fronted on the Potomac in 
the neighborhood of Twenty-fourth street west,' and contained 120 
acres, su))divided into 2S7 lots, by its owner, Jacob Funk, b}' a platalso 
recorded at 'VMarlborough." Md.. October 28, 1771 (p. 113). 

ACCEPTANCP: of the SITE. 

Section 8 of the aforesaid act of July UJ, 1790, prescribes, among 
other things, that ''the District so detined. limited, a!id located .■</t<tl/ 
/>,' deeiiu'd the District accepted by this act for the permanent seat of 
the Government of the United States." Section 1 of the same act 



« An account of this and other surveys and maps of the District is contained in a 
paper presented before the National Geographic Society by IMarcus Baker, March 23, 
1S94, and published in Volume VI of the Natioual (u'Ographic Magazine. 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 11 

contains a substantially similar provisioji. Both of those provisions 
are adopted by the act of March 8, 1791, as applicable to the site 
located under the enlarged purview of that act. 

NAMING THE DISTKICT. 

The first ofiicial mention of the district by name is in a letter of the 
original Counnissioners dated September 1), 1791, in which they state: 
"We have agreed that the Federal district shall be called the Territory 
of Columbia,'"' etc. (p. 91). They had no specific authority of law to 
name it. 

The first mention of the name ''District of Columbia" in an act of 
Congress is in the tiile^ but not in the body, of "An act authorizing a 
loan for the use of the city of Washington, in the Disti'ict of Columbia, 
and for other i)urposes therein mentioned,'' approved May 6, 1796; 
but a previous statutory use of the name appears in the fourth section 
of the act of the Maryland legislature, appi'oved in Novem})er, 1793, 
entitled "A further supplement to the act concerning the Teiritory of 
Columbia and the city of Washington" (p. 114). Th«5 seat of govern- 
ment is mentioned in at least one act of Congress as the Territory of 
Columbia and the District of Columbia, ^indiscriminately. (2 Stats., 
193 and 191.) 

Although the territory at the seat of government is referred to in 
various statutes as the District of Columbia, it was not until February 
21, 1871, that Congress directly legislated on the sul)ject of naming it, 
which it did by the following clause in the act of that date, entitled 
"An act to provide a government for the District of Columbia:" 

That all that j)art of thi; territory of tlu! United States iiuilniled ivlthhi the IhiiiU of 
the Didrict of Columbia be, and the same in hereby, created into a go\crnnient by the 
name of the District of Colnnibia, by which name it is hereby constituted a body 
corporate for municipal purposes. (16 Stats., 419. ) 

But this act omitted to define the limits to which it referred. 

Congress, obviously in doubt as to the sufiiciency of that action, 
again legislated on the subject, in the act entitled "An act providing 
a permanent form of government for the District of Columbia," 
approved June 11, 1878, as follows: 

That all the territory 'wlnck vuis ceded hfi the State of Maryland to the Congress of 
the United States, for the permanent seat of the government of the United States, 
shall continue to be designated as the District of Columbia. (20 Stats., 102. ) 

In this latter act Congress definitely indicates the territory it names. 

ASSUMPTION OF LEGAL JURISDICTION BY THE UNITED STATES. 

The acts of cession of Virginia and Maryland provided that the juris- 
diction of the laws of those States, respectively, over the persons and 



12 GOVEKKMENT OF THE DISTEICT OF COLUMBIA. 

property of individuals residing within the limits of the sections so 
ceded should not cease or determine until Congress, having accepted 
such cession, should by law provide for the government thereof under its 
jurisdiction in tlic manner pi'ovi(h^d in the eighth section of the tirst 
article of the Constitution of the United States. Section! of the act of 
Congress approved July 16, 1790, contains a corresponding provision. 
The authority of the Government of the United States o\M?r the Dis- 
trict of Columbia '" in full and absolute right and exclusive jurisdiction 
as well of soil as of persons residing or to reside thereon, became 
vested on the tirst ISlonday of December, 18(»0."" (Cranch's Circuit 
Reports, Vol. 1. pp. 15 to 21. p. 102.) 

TRANSFER OF THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT TO THE DISTRICT OF 

COLUMBIA. 

The date of the transfei- of thi^ seat of gov(>rnment to the District 
of Columbia was tixed by the lirst paragrapli of section <'. of the act of 
July 16, 171H), as follows: 

'"''Andhe it ('iKicfcil., That on the said tirst Monday in December, in 
the 3^ear one thousand eight hundred, the seat of tlie (ioxernment of 
the United States shall, by virtue of this act, l)e transferred to the 
District and place aforesaid;"' tiie place rc^ferred to bcnng the portion 
of the District selected for th(^ Federal city. 

An act of Congress approved April 24, 1800 (2 Stats., 55), authorized 
the President of the United States to direct the rcmo\ al of the various 
Executive Departments to th«> city of Wtishington ut any time after 
the adjournment of the first session of the Sixth C'ongress and before 
the time fixed l)y th(^ act of July 16, lTl>i». for the transfer of the seat 
of government to that place. 

The date of the first meetino- of Cono-ress in the District was fixed 
by an act passed May 13, 1800 {\^. 102), for the 17th day, or the third 
Monday, in November, 1800; but it actually met for the first time in 
the District on November 21, which was the first d;iy of the session 
when a quorum of ])oth Houses was present. The meeting was in 
the north wing of the Capitol, then the only completed part of the 
building. A quoiuin of the House of Representatives was present on 
the 18th of that month. 

The President arrived in Georgetown on June 3, 1800, and in Wash- 
ington the next day. 

The personnel and records of the several Departments were trans- 
ferred from Philadelphia to ^^'ashington about the same time, at an 
expense of $32,872.31, and those Departments were fully removed to 
the latter city by June 16, 18(»1. (Senate Doc. No. 238, second session, 
Fifty-fifth Congress.) 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 



15 



Marylard and of Congress, been fixed at low-water mark on the 
Virginia shore of the Potomac River. 

The low-water mark on the Potomac to which Virginia has a right in the soil is to 
be measured by the same rule; that is to say, from low- water mark at one headland 
to low-water mark at another, without following indentations, bays, creeks, inlets, 
or affluent rivers. (Act of Congress approved March 3, 1879, 20 Stats., 482.) 

CENSUS. 

The population of the District from 1790 to 1900 has been as follows: 



Date. 


Washing- 
ton. 


George- 
town. 


Wash- 
ington 
County 
(subur- 
ban). 


Alexan- 
dria city. 


Alexan- 
dria 
County 
(subur- 
ban). 


Total. 


Colored 
included 
in total. 


Slaves 
included 
in col- 
ored. 


1790 








2,746 
4,971 
7,227 
8,218 
8, 263 
8,469 
(n) 




2,746 

14,093 

24, 023 

33, 039 

.39. 834 

43, 712 

51, 687 

75, 080 

131,700 

160, 051 

177,624 

203, 459 

218, 1.57 

• 230,392 

270, 519 

277, 782 

278,718 






1800 


3,210 

8,208 

13,247 

18, 827 

23,364 

40, 001 

61,122 

109, 199 

131,947 

147, 293 

173, 606 

179,448 

188,932 

217,617 

220,698 

232,745 


2,993 

4,948 

7,360 

8,441 

7,312 

8,366 

8, 733 

11,384 

11,571 

12,578 

14, 322 

14,345 

14,046 

15, 747 

1.5,809 

(") 


1,941 

2,315 

2,726 

2,993 

3,069 

3, 320 

5,225 

11,117 

16, 533 

17, 7.53 

c 15, .531 

24,364 

27,414 

37, 155 

41,195 

45, 973 


978 
1,325 
1,488 
1,310 
1,508 
(a) 


2,472 

5,126 

7,278 

9,110 

9,819 

13, 746 

14,216 

43, 403 

53. 624 

59, 402 

67,188 

72,522 

75, .572 

87,034 

88, 325 


2,072 


1810 


3,554 


1820 


4, .520 


1830 


4, 505 


1840 


3, 320 


18.50 


3, 687 


I860 


3,185 


1870 






C-) 


1878 






1880 








1885 








1S88 








1890 








1894 








1897 








1900 



















"Alexandria city and county re-ceded to Virginia in 1816. 

bSee under head of " Abolition of African slavery," infra. The decrease in population of Alexan- 
dria County in 1830 wa.s due to absence of slaves arid other residents thereof employed in construct- 
ing the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. 

("The item of 15, .531 for suburban census of 1885, although apparently erroneous, agrees with the 
official returns. 

dGeorgetown became a part of Washington February 11, 1895, pursuant to an act of Congress of 
that date. The population of that part of Washington according to the census of 1900 is 14.549. 

The census for 1800 and each subsequent decade was taken by the United Statesr for the year 1878 
by the board of assessors, and for the years 1885, 1888, 1894, and 1897 by the Metropolitan police 
department. 

ABOLITION OF AFRICAN SLAVERY. 



African slavery in the District of Colum])ia was abolished April 16, 
1862, by the act of Congress approved on that date, and entitled "An 
act for the release of certain persons held to ser^dce or labor in the 
District of Columbia" (11 Stats., 376), which provided, among other 
things : 

That all persons held to .service or labor within the District of Columbia by reason 
of African descent are hereby discharged and freed of and from all claim to such 
service or labor; and from and after the passage of this act neither slavery nor invol- 
imtary servitude, except for crime, whereof the party shall be duly convicted, shall 
hereafter exist in said District. 

This act also directed the President of the United States to appoint 
three commissioners to appraise and apportion the value and validity 
of claims of "all persons loyal to the United States" "for service or 
labor against persons discharged therefrom by this act," "not to 



16 OOVEKNMENT OF THE DISTKICT OF COLUMBIA. 

exceed in the aggregate an amount equal to three hundred dollars' for 
each [)erson shown to have been so held b}- lawful claim." One mil- 
lion dollars was appropriated in the act to carry it into efl'ect, and 
$100,000 more to aid in colonizing in Haiti, Liberia, or such other 
country as the President might determine, such free persons of 
African descent then residing in the District as desired to emigrate. 

Trade in slaves in the District was by act of September 20, 1850, 
prohibited after January 1, 1851. (V> Stats., 167.) 

PENAL DISCRIMINATION ON ACCOUNT OF COLOU DISCONTINUED. 

Persons of .color were made subject to the same penalties as free 
white persons, and no other, for \lolations of law on and after May 21, 
1862. (12 Stats., loT.) 

OWNEKSIIIP OF LAND BY AMKNS. 

Section •'. of tiu' act of the State of IVIaryland "'coni-crning the Ter- 
ritory of Columbia and the city of Washington," passed December 19, 
1791, provides: 

That any foreigner niay,)>y deed or will hereafter («> be made, take and hold lands 
within that part of the said Territory which lies within this State in the same iTian- 
ner as if ho were a citizen of this State; and the same lands may be conveyed by him 
and transmitted to and inheiited by his heirs or relations as if he and they were 
citizens nf this State: /Vor/Jr </, That no foreigner shall, in virtm' thereof, be entitled 
to any fnrther or other privilege of a citizen. 

The object of the foregoing legislation was. as stated in the pre- 
amble to said act, "that allowing foreigners to hold land within the 
said Territory will greatly contribute to t\\o improvement and popu- 
lation thereof (p. 94).'" 

This privilege was substantially moditied by subse(]iient acts of Con- 
gress and is now goveriuMl by .sections 896 and ol>7 of the code of 
laws for the District of Cohiinl)ia. as follows: 

It shall lie nnlawful foi- any jierson not a citizen of the United States or who ha« 
not lawfully declared his intention to become ."^uch citizen, or for any corporation 
not created by or nnder the laws of the (^nitt'd States or of some State or Territory 
of the United States, to hereafter acquire and own real estate, or any interest therein, 
in the District of Coluniliia, (^xcept such as may bo acquired by inheritance: Prorided, 
That the prohilntion of this section shall not ai>ply to cases in which the right to 
hold and dispose of lands in the United States is secured by existing treaties to the 
citizens or subjects of foreign countries, which rights, so far as they exist by force of 
any such treaties, shall continue to exist .«o long as such treaties are in force, and no 
longer, and shall not apply to the ownership of foreign legations or the ownership of 
residences by representatives of foreign governments or attaches thereoi. 

No corporation or association of which more than twenty per centum of the stock is 
or may be owned by any person or j)ersons, coi-poration or corporations, association or 
associations not citizens of the United States shall hereafter acquire or own any real 
estate hereafter acipiired in tlie District of Cohimbia. 

All property acquired or held or owned in violation of the provisions of this chap- 
ter shall be forfeited to the United States. 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 17 

SUFFRAGE. 

The rio-ht to vote in the District of Columbia for President of the 
United States and other national officers, which was extant at the 
time the territory embraced in the District was ceded to Congress, was 
exercised by the qualified voters in the District in the Presidential 
election of November, 1800. It remained in force until the first Mon- 
day in December, 1800, when, as announced in the opinion of Justice 
Cranch, hereinbefore mentioned, the exclusive jurisdiction of Congress 
over the District took effect. 

The qualifications of voters in the portion derived from Maryland 
were at that time as follows: 

All free men above 21 years of age having a freehold of 50 acres of land in the 
county in which they offer to vote, and residing therein, and all free men having 
property in this State above the value of £30 current money, and having resided in 
the county in which they offer to vote one whole year nest preceding the election, shall 
have a right of suffrage, etc, (Constitution of Maryland.) 

When the District ceased to be a part of Maryland, its residents, no 
longer being residents of any county of Maryland, consequently lost 
the right to vote in the elections of that State. 

The qualification of voters in the portion of the District derived 
from Virginia at the time of the cession was the possession of a cer- 
tain amount of real propert}^ in the county in which the vote was cast. 
(Vol. 8, p. 306, Hening's Statutes at Large of Virginia.) When that 
part of the District ceased to be under the jurisdiction of any county 
of Virginia, that right of sufl'rage in the District accordingly expired. 

Although the citizens of the District of Columbia ceased to vote for 
national officers after the first Monday in December, 1800, they were 
subsequently vested Avith the right of sufl'rage in municipal matters, 
as hereinafter shown under the head of ''The cities of Washington and 
Georgetown," and the form of municipal government created by the 
act of Congress of February 21, 1871, but that right has not existed in 
the District since June 20, 1871, when the latter form of government 
was abolished. 

FORMS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT. 

A brief account of the several forms of local government which have 
been in operation in the District since its establishment as the seat of 
the General Government is hereinafter given under the heads of ''The 
city of Washington," ''Georgetown," "'The levy court," and "The 
District of Columbia." 

THE CITY OF WASHINGTON. 

LOCATION. 

The locality in the District of Columbia designated "the city of 
Washington" occupies a peninsula formed by the main and eastern 
branches of the Potomac River. It embraces the Federal city as laid 

14248—03 2 



18 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

out l>v the commissioners appointed in 171H and the town of George- 
town, which was consolidated with it February 11, 1895, b}- an act of 
Congress of that date. (28 Stats., 650.) 

The city as it existed prior to its consolidation with former George- 
town was established pursuant to the provisions of section 3 of the 
act of Congress of July 16, 1790, entitled "An act for establishing 
the temporary and permanent seat of the Government of the United 
States" (1 Stats., 130), which proyided that the commissioners ap- 
pointed under section 2 of said act to define the limits of the District 
of Columbia should have the power ''to purchase or accept such 
quantity of land on the eastern side of said (Potomac) river, within 
the said District, as the President shall deem proper for the use of 
the United States, and according to such plans as the President shall 
approve; the said commissioners, or any two of them, shall, prior to 
the first Monday in December, in the year one thousand eight hun- 
dred, provide suitable buildings for the acconunodation of Congress, 
and of the President, and for the public offices of the Government of 
the United States." 

The city was located in the portion of the District ceded by Mary- 
land conformably to the requirement of the act of March 3, 1791 (1 
Stats., 214), amendatory of the act of July 16, 1790, "that nothing 
herein contained shall authorize the erection of the public buildings 
otherwise than on the Maryland side of the river Potomac.'' 

BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON. 

The boundaries of the city of Washington were never specifically 
defined b}^ acts of Congress, but those of the city as it existed prior 
to the annexation of Georgetown were incidentally fixed by the Presi- 
dent of the United States, pursuant to the discretion vested in him by 
section 3 of the act of eJuly 16, 1790, which empowered the commis- 
sioners appointed under that act to purchase or accept land and pro- 
vide buildings for the accommodation of Cono-rcss, the President, and 
the public offices, as the President might deem proper. In the exer- 
cise of that discretion the President approved of the plan embracing 
the land deeded by the proprietors to said commissioners, in trust, to 
be laid out for a Federal city and which is bounded in the deeds as 
follows (p. 91): 

Beginning on the east side of Rock Creek, at a stone standing in the middle of the 
main road leading from Georgetown to Bladensbnrg; thence along the middle of 
the said road to a stone standing on the east side of the Reedy Branch of Goose 
Creek; thence sonth easterly, making an angle of sixty-one degrees and twenty 
minutes with the meridian, to a stone standing in the road leading from Bladeng- 
burg to the Eastern Branch ferry; thence south to a stone eighty poles north of the 
east and west line already drawn from the mouth of Goose Creek to the Eastern 
Branch; then east parallel to the said east and west line to the Eastern Branch; 
thence, by and witii the waters of the Eastern Branch, Potomac River, and Rock 
Creek, to the beginning. 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 19 

These boundaries are also recognized in an act of the legislature of 
Maryland, passed December 19, 1791, entitled ''An act concerning the 
Territor}^ of Columbia and the city of Washington" (p. 96). 

By an act of Congress approved August IS, 1856 (11 Stats., 120), the 
bounds of the corporation of the city of Washington were extended so 
far as to comprehend the lower Eastern Branch or Nav,y-Yard Bridge. 

The bounds of the city of Washington and of the count}^ of Wash- 
ington were also extended so far as to embrace the causeway and bridge 
across the Potomac to the opposite shore, and those corporations 
empowered to adopt and enforce such rules and regulations as they 
might deem necessary for the safety and security of property and of 
persons passing the said causeway and bridge. (March 3, 1839; 5 
Stats., 365.) 

These boundaries were enlarged by the consolidation of Georgetown 
and the city of Washington by the act of Congress approved February 
11, 1895. 

AREA. 

The city of Washington as first established contained 6,110.94 acres; 
but on February 11, 1895, its area was increased ])v the annexation 
of Georgetown, whose precise extent has never been determined, but 
which is estimated b}^ the Surveyor to contain 543 acres. 

PRELIMINARY AGREEMENT OF PROPRIETORS. 

The owners of the land, in consideration of the great benefit they 
expected to derive from having the Federal city laid oft' upon their lands, 
etc., entered into a preliminary agreement with the commissioners, 
April 12, 1791, to convey the land in trust for that purpose (p. 85). 

PROCUREMENT OF THE SITE. 

The proprietors of the 6,110.94 acres conveyed the same on June 29, 
1791, in trust to two trustees, Thomas Beall and John Mackall Gantt, 
''to be laid out for a Federal city, with such streets, squares, parcels, 
and lots as the President of the United States for the time being shall 
approve'' (p. 92). 

Those trustees were required to convey, "for the use of the United 
States forever," to the commissioners appointed to lay out the District 
and city all the said streets and such of the said squares, parcels, and 
lots as the President might deem proper for such use. 

The interest of the State of Mar3'land in the site was, by the legis- 
lature of that State, on December 19, 1791, vested in the same trus- 
tees, subject to the same terms and conditions as those to which the 
said proprietors had subjected their laud (p. 97). 



20 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

BOUNDARIES OF THE TRACTS OF THE ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS. 

The border lines of the lands of the several original owners of the 
site of the city of Washington, exclusive of former Georgetown, were 
laid down on the land, as a preliminary engineering groundwork, by 
Major L'Enfant in designing the map of the Federal city, and the 
plan of the city was subsequently mapped out over these lines. These 
lines appear on the portfolio maps made by Nicholas King. The 
King set of maps was reproduced by the United States Coast and 
Geodetic Survey Office, approved for publication by the superintend- 
ent of that office April 4, 1884, and duly published by that office for 
distribution. Mr. King also compiled them into a map about 5 feet 
square, which is called the King map of 1803. These farm lines are 
marked across the respective squares in the records of the apportion- 
ment of lots between the original proprietors and the tirst commis- 
sioners. These records, with the King maps, are in the custody of the 
officer in charge of public buildings and grounds. In 1884 Mr. John 
M. Stewart, civil engineer, of the office of the commi.ssioner of public 
buildings and grounds, published a condensed map showing these 
lines, which is generally considered an authority in determining who 
were the original proprietors of the land embraced in lots, and in 
several cases hat^ been so accepted by the local courts. 

THE DESIGXINC OF THE PLAN OF THE CITY. 

The credit of designing the plan of Washington is mainly due to 
Maj. Pierre Charles L'Enfant, who was employed for that purpose, 
but frequently conferred with President Washingion and others whose 
views had a material influence in the matter. His i)lan, without sub- 
stantial alteration, was ai)proved by President Washington in August, 
ITDl. His employment in that capacity was discontinued March 1, 
1792. 

The following reference by President Washington to the subject 

will be of interest : 

That many alterations have been made from L'Enfant's plan by Major Ellicott, 
with the approbation of the Executive, is not denied; that some were essential is 
avowed; and had it not been for the materials which he happened to possess it is 
pi'obable that no engraving from L'Enfant's drafts ever would have been exhib- 
ited to the public, for after the disagreement tnok jilace between him and the com- 
missioners his obstlnancy threw every difficulty in the way of its accomplishment. 

Andrew Ellicott succeeded Major L'Enfant. He had assisted him 
in surveying the site, and was directed to '* finish the laying of the 
plan on the ground," and to prepare a plan from the materials gathered 
and from the information obtained by him while assisting L'Enfant 
in making the surveys. His plan, which Avas substantiall}' that of 
L'Enfant, was the tirst plan engraved and published for distribution. 
Its publication and promulgation were alluded to by President Wash- 



OOVEENMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 21 

ington as "giving" the final and regulating stamp to the cit}' of Washing- 
ton." The general features of this plan have stood the test of time so 
well that Congress, by an act approved August 27, 1888 (25 Stats., 451), 
directed that "no future subdivisions of land in the District of Colum- 
bia without the limits of the cities of Washington and Georgetown 
shall be recorded in the surveyor's office of said District unless made in 
conformity with the general plan of the city of Washington," and 
adopted it in the general highway-extension law of March 2, 1893 
(27 Stats., 532). 

THE FEE SIMPLE TO THE STREETS AND RESERVATIONS. 

In consequence of disputes as to the meaning of portions of the deed, 
the trustees refused to convey the streets and reservations to the com- 
missioners appointed to lay out the city; ])ut the Supreme Court of 
the United States decided that the fee simple therein was vested in the 
United States. (John P. Van Ness and Marcia, his wife, complainants, 
appellants, '/:. The Mayor, Aldermen, and Board of Common Council of 
the City of Washington and the United States of America, defendants, 
4 Peters, 232.) This relates only to the streets and avenues of the 
cit}" of Washington as it existed prior to its consolidation with 



Georgetown. 



DISTRIBUTION OF LOTS. 



The deed in trust directed that a fair and equal division should be 
made of the land not taken for streets, squares, parcels, and lots for the 
use of the United States; that the lots assigned to the proprietors 
should be conveyed to them l)v the trustees, and that the other lots be 
sold as the President might direct; the proceeds of such sales to be first 
applied to the payment, in money, to the proprietors foi- the land set 
apart for the use of the United States, excepting the streets, at £25, 
or $66| per acre," and the remainder to providing public buildings as 
contemplated by sections 3 and 4 of the act of July 16, 1790. 

While the trustees, ])y a deed dated November 30, 1796, conveyed to 
the commissioners appointed to la}" out the city such lands as were 
allotted to the United States, no reconvej^ance was made by the trustees 
to the original grantors of the lands to which they were entitled under 
the trust deeds. The act of the Maryland legislature of December 19, 
1791 (p. 100), however, which ratified the cession of the territory 
selected as the site of the District, provided that the commissioners 
should have recorded every allotment and assignment to the respective 
proprietors. 

These entries of allotment, together with the certificates thereof, 
are the only evidence of title of the original grantors to the portions 

« Pennsylvania currency, then adopted in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, 
and Delaware. 



22 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

to which they were entitled under the provisions in their trust deeds. 
(See opinion of Attorne3"-General Gushing, dated August 1, 1855.) 
The hind was divided as follows: 

Acres. 

Total number of acres taken for the city 6, 110. 94 

Donated to the United States for avenues, streets, and alleys 3, 606 

Donated to the United States, 10,136 building lots 982 

Bought by the United States for public buildings and use ^41 

Total number of acres taken by the United States 5, 129 

10,136 lots given back to former owners 981. 94 

A list of the lots so assigned to the original proprietors, with names 
and dates, is contained in Senate Document No. 18, Fift3'-seventh Con- 
gress, first session. 

The act of the same State, entitled "A further supplement to the 
act concerning the Territory of Columbia and the city of Washing- 
ton," approved December 28, 1793, prescribed: 

That the certificates granted, or which may be granted, by the said commissioners, 
or any two of theiu, to purchasers of lots in the said city, with acknowledgment of 
the j)ayment of the whole jjurchase money, and interest, if any shall have arisen 
thereon, and recordeil agreeably to the directions of the act concerning the Territory 
of Columbia and city of Washington, shall be sufficient and effectual to vest the legal 
estate in tlie jiurchasers, tiieir heins and assigns, according to the import of such cer- 
tificates, without any deed or formal conveyance (p. 114). 

As the 541 acres for public buildings and reservations were required 
to be paid for out of the tii-st proceeds of the sale of the lots donated 
to the Government, it will be seen that of the 6,111 acres 5,129, or 
five-sixths of the whole, were a gift to the Government. Thus the 
United States not only got without cost the fee simple in the streets 
and avenues and the sites and grounds for the Capitol and other pub- 
lic buildings, but received a large amount of money from the net pro- 
ceeds of the sales of the alternate building lots apportioned to it. 

NAMING THE CITY. 

The first official mention of the city by name was in a letter of the 
original commissioners to Major L'Enfant, dated September 9, 1791, 
in which the}' state: "We have agreed that the Federal district shall 
be called the Territory of Columbia and the Federal city the city of 
Washington," although they had no statutory authority to name either 
of them (p. 94). 

The first reference to it by its present name, in an act of Congress, 
is in the title of "An act authorizing a loan for the use of the citv of 
Washington, in the District of Columbia, and for other purposes therein 
mentioned," approved May 6, 1796 (f Stats., 461), but the name does 
not occur in the body of the law. It is mentioned by that name in an 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 23 

act of Maryland, entitled "An act concerning- the Territory of Columbia 
and the city of Washington," approved December 19, 1791 (p. 97). 

The most explicit statutory application of the name by Congress is in 
the act of February 21, 1871, which prescribes that "that portion of said 
District included within the present limits of the city of Washington 
shall continue to be known as the city of Washington." (16 Stats., 
428.) 



THE FIRST CITY OFFICIALS. 



/The first oflacials of the Federal city were the President of the 
United States, the three commissioners appointed b}' the President 
under act of Juh^ 10, 1790, and, to a limited extent, the officers of the 
leyy court. On July 1, 1802, the office of the three commissioners 
was abolished by section 1 of "An act to abolish the board of commis- 
sioners in the city of Washington, and for other purposes," approved 
May 1, 1802 (2 Stats., 175), which directed the commissioners to 
deliver all their official records and property relating to said city to an 
officer created by said act and styled " superintendent," to be appointed 
by the President, and to succeed to all the powers and duties of said 
commissioners. 

This office of " superintendent" was abolished March 3, 1817, by the 
operation of an act of Congress approved April 29. 181(3 (3 Stats., 321), 
which in lieu thereof created the office of one commissioner to super- 
intend public buildings, and succeed to all the powers and duties of the 
former three commissioners and of said superintendent, but to "hold 
no other office under the authority of the United States." 

The office of commissioner in charge of public buildings so created 
was abolished and its duties and powers transferred to the Chief of 
Engineers of the United States Arni}^ by an act of Congress approved 
March 2, 1867. (14 Stats., 466.) 

The duties which where thus transferred to the Chief of Engineers 
were, with subsequent additions and changes, those which related to 
the supervision of the national public buildings and grounds in the 
city of Washington, excepting the care and improvement of the streets 
and other public highways. 

The duties which commonly appertain to municipal control were, as 
hereinafter stated, intrusted to the inhabitants. of the cit}' of Washing- 
ton by an act incorporating them for that purpose. 

THE FIRST CHARTER OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON. 

The first incorporation of the inhabitants of the city of Washington 
was eflfected by an act of Congress approved May 3, 1802. (2 Stats., 
195.) This charter provided for a maj^or appointable by the President 
of the United States, and a city council to be elected by the people. 
This charter Avas modified by subsequent acts of Congress. The first 
mayor was appointed in June, 1802, and was reappointed annually and 



24 GOVEBT^MENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

served until the second Monday in June. 1812. An uct of Congress of 
May -t, 1812 (2 Stats.. 721). devolved the duty of electing- a maj'or, to 
take office on the second Monday of each subsequent June, upon the city 
council, which was elected b}' the qualified voters of the city. That 
method was in force until the first Monday of June, 1820, from which 
date, pursuant to an act of Congress approved Maj^ 15, 1820. the 
mayor was elected by the people for terms of two years until May 
31. 1871. on which date the charter of the corporation expired pursu- 
ant to the provisions of an act of Congress approved February 21, 
1871. entitled "An act to provide a government for the District of 
Columbia" (If. Stats.. 119). which continued the name of the city of 
Washington, but only as a local designation. (A list of the principal 
officials of the city is contained in Senate Document No. 23S, Fifty- 
fifth Congress, second session, by AMlhenms H. Bryan, esq.) V 

NAMIXc; THE STKKETS. 

The connnissioners who tirst named the city also stated in their let- 
ter of September \K 1791. informing Major L'Enfant of their action 
in that respect: 

We have also agreed that the streets be named alphabetically one way and numer- 
ically the other; the former to be divided into north and south and the latter mto 
east and west numbers from the Capitol (p. 95). 

WIDTH OF HIGHWAYS. 

The widths of the streets and avenues of Washington, between the 
building lines, are: 

North and South Capitol, lo(»: East Capitol. UiO: Boundary, or 
Florida avenue, SO; Water, t)0 and 8(>: Maine," 85; Missouri," 85. 

NORTH. 

A B C P K F G H I K L M X O P Q R S T 

90 90 80 7U 90 100 90 90 90 147.8 90 90 80 90 90 90 90 90 90 

u ^- w 

90 80 80 

SOUTH. 

A B C D E F G H I Iv L .M N O P Q R S T U \' W 
90 90 80 90 90 70 100 80 90 80 90 90 90 85 85 85 85 85 85 80 80 40 

EAST. 

i I 2 ;i 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 
80 110 90 90 85 100 85 90 100 90 SO 90 112 90 100 90 80 100 80 

19 20 21 22 23 24 
80 100 80 80 80 80 

« Maine and Missouri streets are commonly called ''avenues;" but the act of the 
corporation of the city of Washington, approved 31arch 23, 1826, by which they were 
named, designates them as streets. 



^ 1 


9 


:? f'4 


«4i 


80 90 


90 


110 80 


110 






10 17 


18 



18 


18i 


U 


15 


110 


70 


110 


110 


28 









GOVEENMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 25 

WEST. 

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 

80 100 85 100 85 85 111.5 85 

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 

160 110 90 110 90 90 90 100 90 90 80 70 80 

WIDTH OF AVENUES. 

Connectiout, 130; Delaware, 160; Georgia, 160; Indiana, 160; Ken- 
tucky, 120; Louisiana, 160; Mar3'land, 160; Massachusetts, 160. (See 
footnote as to Maine and Missouri av^enues, so called.) New York, 
east of Fifteentli street, 130; New York, west of Seventeenth street, 
160; New Jerse}', 160; North Carolina, 160; New Hampshire, 120; 
Ohio, 160; Penns3'lvania. east of Fifteenth street, 160; Pennsylvania, 
west of Seventeenth street, 130; Rhode Island, 130; South Carolina, 
160; Tennessee, 120; Vermont, 130; Viri;inia, Mall to Eastern Branch, 
160; Virginia, B street to Rock Creek, 120. 

NAMIN(; THE AVENUES. 

Neither the acts of Congress nor the records of the commissioners 
under whose direction and surveillance the city of Washington was 
established contain authority for nor account of the naming of the 
avenues in that cit3% other than the incidental recognition of those on 
the Dermot map of 1795, which was formally adopted b\' President 
Washington in his better of March 2, 1797 to the trustees appointed 
to lay out the Federal city. ^ 

HIGHWAYS AS HOST ROUTES. 

An act of Congress approved March 1, 1881: (23 Stats., 3), declares 
that all public roads and highways while kept up and maintained as 
such are post routes. 

ORIGINAL ALLEYS. 

President Washington, in his order of Octo))er 17, 1791, regulating 
the manner and materials for building in the city of Washington, 
states: -'"The way into the squares being designed in a special manner 
for the common use or convenience of the occupiers of the respective 
squares the property in the same is reserved in the public, so that 
there may be an immediate interference on any abuse of the use thereof 
by any individual to the nuisance or obstruction of others." (Webb's 
Digest, p. 57.) 

«The name of Four-and-a-half street NW. was changed to Fourtli street N\V. 
June 6, 1900. (31 Stats., 668.) The name of that portion of Fourth street NW., 
formerl y a part of Four-and-a-half strefet, extending from D street to Pennsylvania 
avenue was changed to John Marshall i)lace March 1, 1901. (31 Stats., 828.) This 
street is therefore John Marshall place from North D street to Pennsylvania avenue; 
Fourth street from that avenue to the middle of the Mall, and Four-and-a-half street 
thence south. 



20 GOVKHNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 



CKOlUlF/roWN. 



'Pile piut of Wiisliiiiotoii wliicli was foi-iiKMly Georgfctown was laid 
oil! pursiiiuil to iiii act of the province of Marvlaiul dated rrune 8, 1751 
(p. liJ()), ])ass('d in r(>spons(' to a ])('tition of several inliahitaiitsof Fred- 
oricii County, in -^aid Stale. This act appointed seven coniinissionors 
to piu'cliase (>() acres lu'lonoinjjf to M(>ssrs. (leoroe (xordoii and George 
Heal!, on the Potomac River, "al)()ve the mouth of HockCnndv, adjacent 
to the inspection house in the county al'or(>said," and to cause tlu> said 
(10 acres to he ''\surveyed, divich'd, and laid out, as near as conveniently 
may 1)(>, into SO ecpial lots, allowing sutlicii'nt s])ace or (juantity thereof 
for streets, lanes, and alleys. The act then adds that upon the com- 
pletion of said proceedings the locality is ''er(>cte<l into a town, and 
shall l»e called l>y the name of (J(H)rgetown.'' It was never incorpo- 
rated as a city, hut was conunonly called the city of (i«'orgetown as a 
consetiuenc(> of the casual i-cfei'ence to it by that title in luimerous acts 
of Congress; unless a purpose to create it a city may We ird'ei'red from 
the claus(^ in th(» act of (\)ngress of F(d)ruary 'il, ISTI. which directs 
that *Mhat portion (»f said District iiu-ludcd within the linuts of the 
city of (Jt'orgctown shall contiiuie to be known as the city of George- 
town." (K; Stats., 4L\S.) 

'IMie boundaries and jurisdiction of (ieorgetow n were extended and 
(U'lined by (he following enactnu'ids of Alarylaiul and Congress: Acts 
of Maiyiand passed l)ecend)er lid, iTS:? (p. i;;^daiuiary 22, 1785 
(p. i;{|^ and l>(>c(Muber 25, L7S5) (p. I'A^: and acts of Congress 
approved March ;i, IS05 (2 Stats., 885); March 8, 1S0!> (ib., 537); June 
4, IS 18 (8 Stats., I); .January 14, 1828 (C Stats., l>SO); March 8, 182G 
(4 Stats., 140); May 25, 1S82 (ib., 51S); duly 4, 1S8() (('. Stilts., G83); 
duly 27, 1842 (5 Stats., 4!>7); F»«bruary 27, lS45 ((I Stats., 1>27). 

Tnder the statute of March :'., 1805, the ''Fenwick map" adopted 
by the act of March 8, 1S01>, was prepared. 'I'he extension of March 
8. 1S2(), was nuuie to include (he r(>sid(Mice of elohn Cox to enable him 
to rt'tain his rt>sidiMU'(> and bi> eligible to lu)ld the otlice of mayor. 

The general suj)position is that the town was named in honor of 
George 11, then the reigning sovereign of (Jreat Britain, but it is also 
coid«Mided that it was named as a compliuKMit to the two Georges from 
whom the site was obtained. 

IMu' conmnssion, whose uuMubership was reduced to live in 1784, 
coi\linutHl to exercise the local nmnicipal authority in the town until 
Decend)er 25, 17S1», when the town was incorporated t>y an act of the 
general assend)ly oi Maryland of tlmt date, with a mayor, recorder, 
aldenuen. and connuon council (p. 18^. The tirst mayor w as appointed 
by that act for one yt>ar, to couuneiu'e .lanuary 1, 171K>. The otlice was 
thereafter tilled annually on the tirst Mi>nday of January by the votes 
of the uiavor, rtn-order, and conuuon council, or in an antdogous manner, 



GOVERNMKNT OF THK DISTKIOT OK COLUMBIA. 27 

until tilt* foiiidi Moiulay of Fcbnuiry, IS.'U. 'Tlu' otiicc avhs tluMi and 
thereafter biennially tilUnl by vole ol" the ])eople. 

The .streets of this part of Washington generally run due north aud 
south and east and west. 

By an arbitrary order of the District Connnissioners, dated October 
4, 1880, the north and south streets were renamed from Twenty -sixth 
to Thirty-eighth, both in^'liided, in continuation of the western series 
of the streets of Washington having the same general direction; and 
the east aiul west str(H>ts from K (or Water) to W, in order to agree as 
nearly as practicable with the corresponding streets in \\'ashington. 

A few streets, viz. Prospect, Dumbarton, 01i\'e, .lellerson. Valley, 
Potomac, CJrace, and Needwood, were so situated as not to admit of 
designation under either of those systems. 

The streets are 00 feet wide from ))uildini'- line (o buildini>- line, 
except K, which is 70; M, 82^; Thirty-fifth, 80; Thirty-second from 
K to the angle south of N, 82i; Valley, 33; Mill, 33, and Poplar, 40. 

The Connnissioners were directed by the act of February 11, 1895, 
consolidating Washington and (}eorgetown, to cause the nomen<'lature 
of the streets and axenues of th(> latter to confV)rni to those of the 
former as far as practicable, but have never acted luider that require- 
ment. 

The streets in the part of Georgetown laid out under the act of 
Maryland of June 8, 1751, were acquired by the public in practically 
the same manner in which the title to the original streets of the city 
of Washington was derived, but the status of those streets, unlike the 
status of the original streets and avenues of the original city of Wash- 
ington, has never been judicially determined. 

Georgetown had been enlarged by munerous additions, until, as 
calculated by the surveyor of the District, it embraced about 543 acres. 

Its charter was revoked May 31, 1871, by the act of Congress of 
February 21, 1871, aforesaid, by which its name was retained as a 
topographical designation, until its consolidation with Washington by 
the act of February 11, 1895 (28 Stats., 050), as follows: 

AN ACT C'luuigiug the namo of Georgetown, in the Distriet of Columbiu, and for other purposes. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and Honm of Repret^eiifatiirs of the United States of America 
in Congi-exs assembled, Ttiat fioiu aiul aftiT tlic pas.saf^c of tliis act all tliat part of the 
District of Columbia embraced within the bounds and now constituting the city of 
Georgetown, as referred to in said acts of February twenty-tirst, eighteen hundred 
and seventy-one, ami Junt^ twentieth, eighteen huncired and seventy-four, shall no 
longer be known by the name and title in law of the city of Georgetown, but the 
same shall be known as and shall constitute a part of the city of Washington, the 
Federal capital; and all general laws, ordinances, and regulations of the city of 
Washington be, and the same are hereby, extendctl and made applicable to that i)art 
of the District of Columbia formerly known as the city of Georgetown; and all gen- 
eral laws, regulations, and ordinances of the city of Georgetown be, and the same 
are hereby, repealed; that the title and existence of said Georgetown as a separate 



28 GOVERNMENT OF THE DTSTRTCT OF COLUMBIA. 

and independent city liy law i.s licie))y abolished, and that tlu- ( 'onunissioners of the 
District of ('(>lund)ia. he, and they are hereby, directed to cause the nomeni'lature of 
the streets and avenues of (ieor^etown 1o conform to those of WashingtoTi so far as 
l)racticable. And the said Couunissiouers are also directed to have the squares in 
Georgetown renumbered, so that no square shall hereafter bear a like number to any 
square in the city of Washington: Prorided, That nothing in this act shall operate 
to affect or repeal existing law making Georgetown a i)ort of entry, exceyit as to its 
name. 

THE LEVY COURTS. ^ 

When the District of Coluiiibia w:is tirst establishod the loral public 
ati'rtirs of that poi'tion of its torritorv kH-ated in Maryland were adntiii- 
istcrod by two bodies, which had jurisdiction over tiic portions deri\od 
from Prince George C'ountv and I'roni Moiito-oinerv County, respec- 
tiv^ely. tind were composed of justices of the peace, who were couunis- 
sioned by the o()vernor and council of that State as '"justices of the 
levy court.-' 

The jurisdiction for the same purposes in the portion derived from 
Virginia at that time reposed in the county courts of that State. 

No subse([uent legislation seems to have been enacted bj' Congress 
relative to the jurisdiction of th(> levy coui't of th(^ county of Alex- 
andria except as such jui'isdiction was atiected by the act receding that 
count}' to Virginia, hennnafttn* mentioned. 

By section 1 1 of an act of Congress approved Februai'v 27, 1801 
(2 Stats., 107), the President of the United States was directed to 
appoint, in and t'oi- each of said counties, an indefinite number of 
justices of the peace, to continue in office for five years. Section 4 of 
an act approved INIarch 3, 1801 (il)., 115), constituted these magistrates 
a "board of commissit)ners," with the same powers and duties as those 
then performed by the le\'v courts of iNlaryland. 

Fnder the above-mentioned and subsequent hiws of Congress the 
levy courts administrated the local govei'nment affairs of that part of 
the District of Columbia situated outside of the city of Washington 
and of Georgetown. 

The membership of the court for that part of the District derived 
from ^Maryland was fixed at sevtMi by the act of July 1, 1812 
(2 Stats., 773), to be annually designated by the President of the 
United States from among the existing magistrates of the count}'^; 
two from east of Rock Creek, outside of the city of Washington; two 
from west of Rock Creek and (nitside of Creorgetown. and tliree from 
Georgetown. The city of Washington, although not represented in 
the court, was required by section 11 of the same act to bear and 
defray equally with the other parts of the county the general county 
expenses and charges, other than t'oi- the expenses of the roads and 
brido-es outside of the limits of Washington and Georgetown; but bv 
section 10 of the act of May 17, 1848 (9 Stats., 230), the President was 
directed to appoint foui- members fi-om tlu^ city of Washington in 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 29 

addition to the .seven appointable from the other portions of the 
District. 

The requirement that the meml)ership of the court should be 
selected from among- the justices of the peace for the county of Wash- 
ington was repealed May 8, 1862, Ijy an act of that date (12 Stats., 
384, sec. 8). 

By an act approved March 8, 1863 (12 Stats,, 799), the membership 
of the court was reduced to nine persons, without respect to their 
occupations, to be ai)pointed l)y the President and confirmed by the 
Senate, in such maniioi- that the terms of one-third of the members 
should expire aniuuiliy. Its jurisdiction and functions were specific- 
ally prescribed by that act and remained substantially as so estab- 
lished until May 31, 1871, when the court was abolished by the act of 
February 21, 1871 (16 Stats., 428, sec. 40), which consolidated the 
local governments in the District into one municipality. 

FIRST MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT OF THE ENTIRE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

The act of Congress of February 21, 1871, which revoked the char- 
ters of the corporations of the city of Washington, (xeorgetown, and 
the lev}' court of the county of Washington, established in their stead 
a single nuuiicipal goverimient named the District of Columbia. All 
valid laws and ordinances then existing in the District were, by said 
act, continued in force. The new nnuiicipality consisted of a governor, "^ 
a board of public works composed of the govei'nor aiul four other per- 
sons, a secretaiT, a board of health, a legislative assembly consisting 
of a council of 11 members and a house of deleoates consistinsr of 22 
members, and a Delegate in the House of Representatives of the 
United States. ^ 

The governor, the board of public; works, the secretary, the board 
of health, and the council were appointed by the President of the 
United States, by and with the conscMit of the Senate. The members 
of the house of delegates and the Delegate in the House of Repre- 
sentatives were elected by the (jualitied voters of the District of Colum- 
bia. The official term of the governor, members of the board of 
public works, the secretary, and the members of the board of health 
was four j^ears; the term of the members of the council and the Dele- 
gate to Congress two years, and the term of the members of the house 
of delegates one year. 

SECOND MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT OF THE ENTIRE DISTRICT OF 
, COLUMBIA. 

On June 20, 1874, by an act of Congress of that date (18 Stats., 116), 
the form of government established by the act of February 21, 1871, 
was abolished, and the executive numicipal authority in the District 
temporarily vested in thre(> Commissioners appointed by the President 



^ 



30 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTEICT OF COLUMBIA. 

of the United States and confirmed by the Senate, who succeeded in 
general to the powers and duties of the governor and the board of 
public works, and were assisted by an officer of the Engineer Corps of 
the United States Army, detailed for that purpose under the require- 
ments of the first-named act. All valid laws affecting the District 
then existing were continued in force. 

This temporary form of government existed until J[uly 1, 187b, wiien, 
pursuant to an act of Congress of June 11, 1878 (20 Stats., 102), it was 
succeeded by the present form, for which see pages 141, et sequentea. 



Appendix 1. 

[Abstract of proceedings of Congress relative to locating the seat of government, carefully compared 
with the original records in the Library of Congress by Mr. Louis C. Wilson, assistant secretary to 
the Commissioners.] 

The Congress of the Revolution first met at Philadelphia, Monday, 
September 5, 1774, and continued to hold its sessions there until 
Wednesday, December 12, 1776, when, in consequence of the approach 
of the British army, it adjourned to Baltimore, where it met on Friday 
the 20th and continued until Tuesday, February 27, 1777, when it 
adjourned to meet at Philadelphia on Wednesday, the Irth of March, 
when it met and adjourned from day to day until the 12th of that 
month. 

On Sunday, September 14. 1777, it was — 

Resolved, That if Congress shall l)e obliged to remove from Philadelphia, Lancaster 
be the place where they shall meet. 

It continued to meet in Philadelphia until the 18th of that month, 
and adjourned that evening to meet the next morning. But in the 
meantime the President received a letter from Colonel Hamilton, one 
of General Washington's aids, which intimated the necessity of remov- 
ing immediately from Philadelphia. Agreeably to the resolve of the 
14th it met in Lancaster, in the State of Pennsylvania, on Saturday the 
27th; on the same day adjourned to Yorktown in that State, where it 
assembled on Tuesday the 30th, and continued to meet until Saturday 
the 27th of June, 1778, when, having been informed by a letter from 
General Washington on the 18th (read in Congress on the 20th) that 
the enemy had evacuated the city of Philadelphia, adjourned to that 
city, where it met on Thursday the 2d of July. 

On the 4th of June, 1783, it resolved — 

That copies of the act of the legislature of Maryland, relative to the cession of the 
city of Annapolis to Congress for their permanent residence; and also copies of the 
act of the legislature of New York, relative to the cession of the town of Kingston 
for the same purpose, together with the papers which accompanied both acts, be 
transmitted to the executives of the respective States, and that they be informed by 
the President, that Congress have assigned the first Monday in October next for 
taking the said offers into consideration. 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLTTMBIA. 31 

On the 21st of June, 1783, it was resolved by Congress — 

That the President and supreme executive council of Pennsylvania be informed 
that the authority of the United States having been this day grossly insulted by the 
disorderly and menacing appearance of a body of armed soldiers about the place 
within which Congress were assembled, and the peace of this city being endangered 
by the mutinous disposition of the said troops now in the barracks, it is, in the 
f Congress, necessary that effectual measures be immediately taken for 
supportiivg the public authority. 

Resolved, That the committee, on a letter from Colonel Butler, be directed to con- 
fer, without loss of time, with the supreme executive council of Pennsylvania, on 
the practicability of carrying the preceding resolution into effect; and that in case it 
shall appear to the committee that there is not a satisfactory ground for expecting 
adequate and prompt exertions of this State for supporting the dignity of the Federal 
Government, the President on the advice of the committee be authorized and 
directed to summon the members of Congress to meet on Thursday next at Trenton 
or Princeton, in New Jersey, in order that further and more effectual measures may 
be taken for suppressing the present revolt, and maintaining the dignity and author- 
ity of the United States. 

Resolved, That the Secretary at War be directed to communicate to the commander 
in chief, the state and disposition of the said troops, in order that he may take imme- 
diate measures to dispatch to this city such force as he may judge expedient for sup- 
pressing any disturbances that may ensue. 

Congress did not meet again until the 30th, when they assembled at 
Princeton upon the summons of the President. 

* Tuesdai/^ July 1, 1783. — On the report of a committee consisting of 
Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Ellsworth, and Mr. Bland, to whom was referred a 
motion of Mr. Hamilton — 

Resolved, That Major-General Howe be directed to march such part of the force 
under his command, as he shall judge necessary to the State of Pennsylvania, in 
order that immediate measures may be taken to confine and bring to trial all such 
persons belonging to the army as have been principally active in the late mutiny, 
to disarm the remainder, and to examine fully into all the circumstances relating 
thereto. 

That in the execution of the foregoing resolution, if any matters shall arise which 
may concern the civil jurisdiction, or in which its aid may be necessary, application 
be made for the same to the executive authority of the State. 

That the executive of Pennsylvania be informed of the foregoing resolutions, and 
requested to afford their assistance whensoever the same shall be required. 

The committee, consisting of Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Ellsworth, and Mr. 
Peters, to whom were referred a letter of the 17th of June, from Col. 
R. Butler, at Lancaster, and sundry papers communicated to Congress 
by the executive council of Pennsylvania, through their delegates, 
having on the 19th of June made a verbal report, and on the 20th of 
the same month, a report in writing, and the written report being on 
the 30th recommitted that they might amend it by adding thereto their 
verbal report, and the report being this day brought in with the 
amendment: 

Ordered^ That it be entered on the journal. 



32 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

The report is as follows: 

The committee to whom were referred the letters ;uul pai)er.s communicated to 
Congress by the executive coun("il of Pennsylvania, through their delegates, report: 

That they had a conference yesterday, as directed, with the supreme executive 
council, in which, in the first instance, the propriety of calling out a detachmi'ut of 
militia to intercept the mutineers on their march from Lancaster, was proposed to 
the council, suggesting the danger of tlieir 1)eing suffered with impunity to join the 
troops in the ))arracks, who a few days before^ had manifested a dangerous spirit by 
an insolent and threatening message sent to Congress in the name of a board of ser- 
geants, and who, it was apprehended, would be ready to make common cause with 
those on their march for mutinous purposes. 

That the council having shown a reluctance ti> call out any part of the militia, 
ex|)ressing an opinion that they would not be willing to act, till some outrage should 
have been committed by the troops; there appeared to the committee no alternative 
but to endeavor to dissuade the nuitineers from coming to town, and if they failed 
in that attempt, to make use of expedients to prevent the troops in the barracks 
from joining in any excesses, and to induce the detachment from Ijancaster to return 
to that place. That in this vieM', and that at their di>sirc, the assistant secretary at 
war met the detachment then on its march to the city, and endeavored to engage 
them to return to the former jilace, urging the considerations contained in the 
annexed instructions to him, but the said detachment persisted in their intention of 
coming to this city, and arrived here this morning. That ujum conferring with the 
superintendent of finance, they find tlu^re is a j)robability that the" i>aymaster- 
general, to whom the settlement of the accounts of the Army has been conunitted, 
and w ho, having all the documents in his })ossession, can alone execute the business 
with propriety, will shortly arrive from the .\rmy, and will immediately enter upon 
a settlement with the troops in this State; that in the meantime measures will be 
taken to prepare the business for a final adjustment. 

That there will inuuediately be sent to Lancaster a sum of money to be paid to the 
troops on account of the month's pay heretofore directed to be advanced to them, 
the payment of which has hitherto been delayed liy jiarticular circumstances, 
together with notes for three months' jniy, intended tol)e advanced to the men when 
furloushed. That tliev have desired this information to be transmitted to the com- 
manding officer here, and at Lancaster, with this declaration, that the corps sta- 
tioned at Lancaster, including the detachment, can only be settled with or paid at 
that place. 

THE INSTRUCTIONS TO M.\.IOK JACKSON. 

/ 

Sir: Information having been received that a detachment of about eighty muti- 
neers are on their way from Lancaster to this place, you will please proceed to meet 
them, and to endeavor by every i)ruilent method to engage them to-return to the 
post they have left. You will inform them of the orders that have been given, per- 
mitting them to remain in service till their accounts shall have been settled, if they 
prefer it to being furloughed, and of the allowance of pay which has been made to 
the Army at large, and in which they are to be included. You will represent to 
them that their accounts can not be settled without their officers, whom they have 
left behind them at Lancaster. You will represent to them with coolness but 
energy the impropriety of such irregular proceedings, and the danger they will run 
by persisting in an improper conduct. You will assure them of the best intentions 
in Congress to do them justice, and of the absurdity of their expecting to procure it 
more effectually by intemperate proceedings. You will point out to them the 
tendency which such proceedings may have to raise the resentments of their country, 
and to indispose it to take effectual measures for their relief. In short, you will 



GOVEKNMENT OF THE DTSTlilCT OF COLUMBIA. 33 

urge every consideration in your power to induce thein to return, at the same time 
avoiding whatever may tend to irritate. If they jtcrHiHt in coming to (own, yon will 
give the earliest notice to us oi" their i)rogress and disposition. Should they want 
provisions, you will assure them of a sujijily if tliey will remain where they are, 
which you are to endeavor to persuade them to do in preference to coming to town. 
1 am, sir, your most obedient servant, 

A. Hamilton, 
In hclia/f of lite CommiUee. 
Major Jackson, Assistant Secretari/ nl War. 

I'liiLADioij'uiA, Jane J!), I78.i. 

The (;()inmittee, coiissistiiii;- of Mr. Iluiniltoii and Mr. P211,swortli, 
appointed on the 21.st June to conror with the .supreme exccuti\e 
council ol' Pennsylvaniii, on the pi-uctlca))ility of takino- efl'ectual meas- 
ures to support the public authority, havino- delivered in a report: 

Ordered, That it be entered on the journal. 

The report is as follows: 

The committee appointed to confer witii the supreme executive council of Penn- 
syhania, on the practicability of taking effectual measures to support the public; 
authority, in consequeiuH^ of the disorderly' and menacing apjK'arance of a body of 
armed soldiers surrounding the place where Congress were assi'mbled, on Saturday, 
the 21st instant, beg leave to report: 

That they had a conference the morning following with the supreme executive 
council, agreeably to the intention of Congress, and having communicated their res- 
olution on that subject, informed the council tliat Congress consid(>red the proceed- 
ing on wliicli that resolution was foundetl, of so serious a nature, as to render palli- 
atives im])ro|)er, and to recpiire that vigorous measures should l)e taken to ]>ut a stop 
to the further jjrogress of the evil, and to compel submission on the part of the 
offenders. That in this view they had thought it expedient to declare to the execu- 
tive of the State in which they reside, the necessity of taking effectual measures for 
supi)orting tlie public authority. That though they had declined a specification 
of tlie measures which they \v(juld deem effectual, it was their sense that a numlier 
of the militia would l)e immediately called out, sufficient to sup[)ress the revolt. 
That Congress, imwilling to expose the United States to a repetition of the insult, 
had suspended their ordinary delil)erations in this city, till proper steps could be 
taken to provide against the possibility of it. 

The council, after some conversation, informed the committee, that they would 
wish, previous to a determination, to ascertain the state and disposition of the 
militia, and to consult the ofhcers for that purpose. 

The day following the connnittee waited upon the council for tiieir final resolu- 
tion, having previously presented a letter addressed to his excellency the President, 
of which a copy is annexed, reciuesting the determination of the council in writing. 

The council declined a written answer, alleging that it had been unusual on similar 
occasions; that they were unwilling to do anything which might appear an innova- 
tion in the manner of conducting conferences between their body and committees of 
Congress, adding, however, that they were ready to give their answer in writing, if 
Congress should request it. They then proceeded to a verbal answer, in substance 
as follows: 

That the council had a high respect for the representative sovereignty «jf the 
United States, and were disposed fo do everything in their j^ower to support its 
dignity. That they regretted the insult which had hai){)ened, with this additional 
motive of sensibility, that they had themselves had a principal share in it. That 

14248—03 8 



34 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

they had consulted a number of well-informed officers of the militia, and found that 
nothing in tlie present state of things was to l)e expected from that quarter. That 
the militia of the city in general were not only ill provided for service, but disinclined 
to act niton the present occasion. That the council did not V)elieve any exertions 
were to l)e looked for from them, except in case of further outrage and actual vio- 
lence to jterson or property. That in such case a respectable body of citizens would 
arm for the sei'urity of their itrojjerty and of the public "peace; but it was to be 
doubted wliat measure of outrage would produce this effect, and in particular, it was 
not to be exjiected merely from a repetition of the insult which had hajspened. 

The council observed that they thought it their duty to communicate their expec- 
tations with candor, and passed from the subject of the practicability of vigorous 
measures to the policy of them. They stated, that General St. Clair, with the appro- 
bation of several members of Congress and of council, had, by a declaration in 
writing, permitted the mutineers to choose a committee of commissioned officers to 
represent their grievances to council, and had authorized them to exjiect that a con- 
ference would be allowed for that purpose. That it was said the mutineers began 
to be convinced of their error and were preparing submissions. That from the steps 
which had been taken the business seemed to be in a train of negotiation, and that 
it merited consideration, how far it would be prudent to terminate the matter in th? ' 
way rather than employ coercive means. 

The connnittee remarked, with respect to the scruple about giving an answer in 
writing, that they could not forbear differing in opinion as to its propriety. That 
nothing was more common than written communications between executives of the 
different States and the civil and military officers acting under the authority of the 
United States; that for a much stronger reason there was a propriety in this mode 
of transacting business between the council and a committee of the body of Con- 
gress. That, indeed, it would be conformable to the most obvious and customary 
rules of proceeding, and that the importance of the present occasion made it desira- 
ble to give e\'ery transaction the greatest precision. 

With respect to the practical )ility of employing the militia, the committee observed 
that this was a jjoint of which the council was alone competent to judge. That the 
duty of the committee was performed in explicitly signifying the expecitations of 
Congress. 

And with respect to the policy of coercion the committee remarked that the 
measures taken by Congress clearly indicated their opinion, that the excesses of the 
mutineers had passed the bounds within which a spirit of compromise might consist 
with the dignity and even the safety of government. That impunity for what had 
ha])pened might encourage to more flagrant proceedings, invite others to follow the 
example, and extend the mischief. That the passiveness of conduct observed toward 
the detachment which had mutinied at Lancaster, and come to the city in defiance 
of their officers, had, no doubt, led to the subse(iuent violences. That these consid- 
erations had determined Congress to adopt decisive measures. That besides the 
application to the State in which they reside, for its immediate support, they had 
not neglected other means of ultimately executing their purpose, but had directed 
the commander in chief to march a detachment of troops towards the city. That 
whatever moderation it might be prudent to exercise toward the mutineers when 
they were once in the power of government, it was necessary, in the first instance, 
to jilace them in that situation. That Congress would probably continue to pursue 
this object unless it should be superseded by unequivocal demonstrations of sub- 
mission on the part of the mutineers. That they had hitherto given no satisfactory 
evidence of this disposition, having lately presented the officers they liad chosen to 
represent their grievances with a formal commission in writing, enjoining them, if 
necessary, to use compulsory means for redress, and menacing them with tieath in 
case of their failing to execute their views. 



GOVEKNMENT OF THE DISTKICT OF COLUMBIA. 35 

Under this state of things the committee could not forbear suggesting to the 
council that it would be expedient for them so to qualify the reception which they 
should think proper to give to any propositions made by the mutineers as not to 
create embarrassment, should Congress continue to act on the principle of coercion. 

The committee, finding that there was no satisfactory ground to expect prompt 
and adequate exertions on the part of the executive of this State for supporting the 
public authority, were bound by the resolution under which they acted to advise 
the President to summon Congress to assemble at Princeton oi- Trenton on Thursday, 
the 26th instant. 

Willing, however, to protract the departure of Congress as long as they could be 
justified in doing it, still hoping that further information would produce more deci- 
sive measures on the part of the council, and desirous of seeing what complexion the 
intimated submissions would assume, they ventured to defer advising the removal 
till the afternoon of tlie day following that on which the answer of the council was 
given. But having then received no further communications from the council, and 
having learnt from General St. Clair that the submissions proposed to be offered 
by the mutineers, through the officers they had chosen to represent them, were not 
of a nature sufficiently explicit to be accepted or relied on. That they would be 
kccompanied by new demands to which it would be improper to listen; that the 
officers themselves composing the committee had shown a mysterious reluctance to 
inform General St. Clair of their proceedings — had refused, in the first instance, to 
do it, and had afterwards only yielded to a peremptory demand on his part. The 
committee could no longer think themselves at liberty to delay their advice for an 
adjournment, which they this day accordingly gave, persuaded at the same time 
that it was necessary to impress the mutineers with a conviction that extremities 
would be used against them before they would be induced to resolve on a final and 
unreserved submission. 

Philadelphia, June 24th, 1783. 

The letter to his excellenc}' the president of the supreme executive 
council of Pennsjdvania: 

Sir: We have the honor to enclose for your excellency and the council a copy of 
the resolutions communicated in our conference yesterday. Having then fully 
entered into all the explanations which were necessary on the subject, we shall not 
trouble your excellency with a recapitulation; but as the object is of a delicate and 
important nature, we think it our duty to request the determination of the council 
in writing. 

We have the honor to be, with perfect respect, your excellency's most obedient 
servants. 

Philadelphia, June 23, 1783. 

Wednesday, July ^, 1783. — A letter of the 2-J:th of June, from his 
excellenc}^ W. Livingston, governor of the State of New Jersey, was 
read, whereupon it was — 

Eesolred, That the i)resident inform his excellency, the governor of New Jersey, 
that Congress entertain a high sense of the spirit and attachment of the citizens of 
New Jersey to the Federal Union, and of the sentiments expressed by his excel- 
lency; and are happy that events have rendered the call of the citizens into service 
unnecessary. 

An address of the governors and masters of the college was read, 
offering to Congress the use of the hall, library room, and every other 



36 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

convenience thiit the college in its present situation can ull'ord; where- 
upon it was — 

liesulird, That the President iiit'oriu the governors and masters of tlie college that 
Congress entertain a proper sense of their ol)liging offer, and accept the nse of such 
parts of the college as are innnediately necessary for their sessions, and for the officers 
attending them during their stay at Princeton. 

Resolutions were also passed by the inliabitants of Trenton. Prince- 
ton, and Newark, and their vicinities, to support order and good 
government, which received the approbation of Congress. 

Jfonddi/, Jiihj i3'S\ 17 83. — An address from the citizens of Philadel- 
phia, and the lil^erties thereof, having been received and read it was— 

Jvesolvcd, That tlie President inform t!ie citizens of Philadelphia, ami its liherties, 
in answer to their respectful and affectionate address, that the TTnited States, in 
(^ongress assemhled, liave great satisfaction in reviewing the spirited and patriotic 
exertions which liave been made Ijy the government and citizens of Pennsylvania, in 
the course of the late glorious war; and that they are liigldy ])leased with the reso- 
lution, expressed by the citizens of Philadelphia, to aid in all measures whicli may 
have a tendency to sujiport the national lionor and dignity. 

Friday., Aiujuxf L JTS-J.^A motion was made by Mr. Head, of South 
Carolina: 

That on the eighth of August instant, the President shall adjnnrn Congress to 
meet at Philadelphia on the twelfth of August instant, tliere to continue until the 
last INlonday in October next, at which tinu^ the President shall adjourn Congress to 
meet at Annapolis on the Friday following, unless Congress shall, before that time, 
have determined otherwise. 

And upon the ([uestion whether the words which follow ''twelfth" 
shall stand, one State voted in the affirmative, three in the negative, 
four were divided, and five were not represented; so that the words of 
limitation were stricken out, and tiie further consideration of the 
question postponed to the 6th. 

Widiusday, Augusf IJ^ 17So. — Agreeable to the order of the daj^ 
Congress took into consideration a motion made bj^ Mr. Howell, of 
Rhode Island, seconded In' ^Ir. Bland, of Virginia, in words following: 

Rmilred, That on the 15th instant, the President adjourn Congress to meet at 
Philadelphia on the 21st instant. 

A motion was made b}- Mr. Read, of South Carolina, seconded by 
Mr. Carroll, of Maryland, to postpone the consideration of the fore- 
going motion, in order to take up the following: 

AVheBeas the resolution of Saturday, the 21st day of June last, enabling the Presi- 
dent to summon Congress to meet at Trenton or Princeton, on Thursday then next 
following, had for its object, that further and more effectual measures might be taken 
for suppressing the then existing revolt of certain troops of the Pennsylvania line, and 
maintaining the dignity and authority of the United States: and whereas it is no 
longer found necessary or expedient that Congress should continue at Princeton, 

RcKolrcd, That on Friday, the 15th instant, the President do adjourn Congress to 
meet on Monday next, the 21st, at the city of Philadelphia; and that on the second 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 37 

Monday in October next, the President do in like nuuincr adjourn Congress, to meet 
on tlie Monday following, at xVnnapolis, in the State of Maryland, unless Congress 
shall in the meantime order otherwise. 

Oil the question of postponing, the States voting in the affirmative 
were Pennsj-lvania, Maryland, and South Carolina; the negati\'c were 
Massaohusetts, llhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Virginia; 
divided. New York and North Carolina; not represented, New Hamp- 
shire, Delaware, and Georgia. So the question was lost. 

On motion of the delegates of Pennsylvania — 

Ordered, That the further consideration of the original motion be postponed, in 
order that the following declaration made by one of the delegates from Pennsylvania 
this morning, in his place, be entered on the Journal, viz: 

"The delegates of Pennsylvania are authorized by the president and council of 
that State to dec^lare in the most respectful terms to Congress that tlieir return to 
Philadelphia is sincerely desired by tiie president and council, as an event which 
would give them the greatest satisfaction." 

The consideration of the original motion was again resumed, and 
after further debate an adjournment was called for and agreed to. 

On the next da}' a motion for general postponement of the question 
was lost; and upon the original motion of Mr. Howell, to adjourn to 
Philadelphia, the affirmative votes were Penns^dvania and Mar3dand; 
the negative were Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, 
Virginia, and South Carolina; divided, North Carolina; not repre- 
sented, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Delaware, and Georgia. So 
the question was lost. 

Jlondiii/, Sejjte)/i7)e7' 1, 1783. — The delegates for the State of Penn- 
S3dvania laid before Congress sundr}^ resolutions of the general assem- 
bly of that State, which were read and ordered to be entered on the 
Journal, as follows: 

State of Pennsylvania, in general assemlily, Friday, August 29, 178.3, a. m. 

The report of the committee appointed to consider of the most eligible means for 
the accommodation of Congress, should that honoi^able body determine to reside 
within this State, read 27th instant, was read the second time: Whereupon, 

Resolved imanhnoudy, That until Congress shall determine upon the place of their 
permanent residence it would be highly agi-eeable to this house if that honoral)le 
body should deem it expedient to return to and continue in the city of Philadelphia; 
in which case they offer to Congi-ess the different apartments in the statehonse and 
adjacent buildings which they formerly occupied for the purpose of transacting the 
national business therein. 

Resolved unanimously, That this house will take effectual measures to enable the 
executive of the State to afford speedy and adequate support and protection to the 
honor and dignity of the United States in Congress, and the persons of tho.se com- 
posing the Supreme Council of the nation assembled in this city. 

Resolved unanimoushj, That as this house is sincerely disposed to render the per- 
manent residence of Congress in this State, connnodiousand agreeable to that honor- 
able body, the delegates of this State be instructed to request that Congress will be 
pleased to define what jurisdiction they deem necessary to be vested in them in the 
place where they shall permanently reside. 



38 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

Friday, Be/pterriber 5, T78S. — On motion of Mr. McHenry, of Mary- 
land, seconded by Mr. Lee, of Virginia — 

Resolved, That Friday next be assigned to decide on the jjlaee proper for a tempo- 
rary residence of Congress. 

(It does not appear that Congress met on Friday, the 12th of Sep- 
tember, 1783.) 

Monday, Septeudjer 'Bli, 178S. — Congress took into consideration the 
report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Duane, of New Yorlc; Mr. 
Read, of South Carolina; Mr. McHenry, of Maryland; Mr. Hunting- 
ton, of Connecticut; Mr. Peters, of Virginia; Mr. Wilson, of Penn- 
sj'lvania, and Mr, Madison, of Virginia, appointed to consider what 
jurisdiction ma}^ be proper for Congress in the place of their perma- 
nent residence; whereupon — 

Ordered, That the said report be referred to a committee of the whole house. 
liexolred, That on Tliursday next Congress be resolved into a committee of the 
whole to take into consideration the above report. 

T/iN/'s-dai/, Scpteinher '25, 1783. — According to order, the House was 
resolved into a committee of the whole to take into consideration the 
report of the committee appointed to consider what jurisdiction may 
be proper for Congress in the place of their permanent residence. 
Mr. Carroll, of Maryland, was elected to the chair. After some time 
the President resumed the chair, and Mr. Carroll reported that the 
Committee of the Whole had taken into consideration the report 
referred to them, and made some progress therein, ])ut, not having 
come to a conclusion, desire leave to sit again to-morrow. 

(h-dcred, That leaver be granted. 

(It does not api)ear from the Journal that this committee of the 
whole ever sat again.) 

Monday, (Jctoler G, 1783. — The order of the day l)eing called for and 
read, to take into consideration the proposition of several States 
respecting a place for the permanent residence of Congress, a motion 
was made by Mr. Gerry, of Massachusetts, seconded by Mr. Hoi ten, 
of Massachusetts, that Congi'ess resolve itself into a committee of the 
whole to take into consideration the propositions of the several States 
from New York to Virginia, inclusive, respecting a place for the per- 
manent residence of Congress. 

Question put; passed in the negative. 

A motion was made by Mr. Gerry, seconded by Mr. Foster, of New 
Hampshire, to postpone the order of the dav. 

This motion was lost; Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Delaware 
only voting in the affirmative, and ten States being represented. 

A motion to postpone the subject to the last Monday of the month 
was also lost; Massachusetts and Rhode Island only voting in the 
affirmative. It was then — 



GOVEKNMEIS'T OF THE DISTKICT OF COLUMBIA. 39 

Resolved, That the question be taken, in which State buildings shall be provided 
and erected for the residence of Congress; beginning witli New Hampshire, and jiro- 
ceeding in the order in which they stand. 

The question upon each State was passed in the negative, no State 
having- received more than -k votes, and New Jersey and Maryland 
having- each received that number. 

Resolved, That the fixing on a place for providing and ei-ecting buildings for the 
residence of Congress be an order of the day for to-morrow. 

Tuesday^ October 7, 178S. — The order of the day ))eing- called for, a 

motion was made by Mr. Gerr}^, of Massachusetts, seconded by Mr. 

Howell, of Rhode Island — 

That buildings for the use of Congress be erected on the banks of the Delaware, 
near Trenton, or of Potomac, near Georgetown, pT-ovided a suitalile district can be 
procured on one of the rivers as aforesaid for a Federal town, and the right of soil 
and an exclusive or such other jurisdiction as Congress may direct shall be vested 
in the United States. 

A motion by Mr. Duane, seconded by Mr, Hoi ton, to add "the 
Hudson" was negatived. 

This motion having been amended so as to read: "That buildings 
for the use of Congress be erected on or near the banks of the Delaware 
or of the Potomac, provided a suitable district,"" etc. (as in the origi- 
nal motion), was agreed to without a call for the yeas and na3^s, after 
an ineffectual attempt had been made by the Maryland delegates to 
postpone the motion in order to take into consideration a proposition 
to accept the offer made by the legislature of Maryland, by their act 
of , for the residence of Congress. Upon the question of post- 
ponement for that purpose, Maryland alone voted in the affirmative. 
It was then — 

Resolved, That buildings for the use of Congress be erected on or near the banks of 
the Delaware, provided a suitable district, etc. 

(As in the original motion.) 

The States voting on this resolution in the affirmative were Massa- 
chusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Penn- 
sylvania, and Delaware; those voting in the negative were Maryland, 
Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina; not represented. New 
Hampshire and Georgia. 

A motion, made by Mr. Bedford, of Delaware, seconded by Mr. 
Tilton, of Delaware, that the buildings should be erected in the State 
of Delaware, near Wilmington, was negatived, Delaware, Maryland, 
and South Carolina only voting in the affirmative. But it was — 

Resolved, That the place on the Delaware for erecting buildings for the use of 
Congress be near the falls. 

Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to repair to the falls of the Dela- 
ware to view the situation of the country in its neighborhood and report a proper 
district fur carrying into effect the preceding resolution. The members, Mr. Gerry, 
Mr. S. Huntington, Mr. Peters, Mr. Duane, Mr. Clarke. 



40 Ofn'ERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

licsolrid, Tliat it l)o tlie order of the day for to-morrow to consider of the tempo- 
rary residence of Congress. 

Wednesday, Octohcr <S', 17SS. — A motion was made by Mr. William- 
son, of North Carolina, seconded by Mr. Read, of South Carolina — 

To consider the resohition of yesterday, l)y which the residence of Congress is to 
he tixed near tlie falls of the Delaware, in order to fix on some other place that shall 
be more central, more favorable to the Union, and shall ap^jroach nearer to that 
justice which is due to the Southern States. "■ 

This motion was negatived; Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North 
Carolina, and South Carolina voted in the affirmative; hut. as it 
required T \()tes to carr}- a question affirmatively, the motion was 
lost, although there were only (J negative votes. New Hampshire 
and Georgia were not represented. 

Friday^ Octoher 10, 1783. — The order of the day l)eing called for, 
it Avas — 

lli'tiolrrij , That for the more convenient transaction of the business of the United 
States and accommodation of Congress, it is expedient for them to adjourn from 
their present residence. 

New York and all the States south of New York voted in the affirma- 
tive, except Georgia, which Avas not represented. 

A motion was then made l)v Mr. Williamson, of North Carolina, 
seconded by Mr. Peters, of Pennsylvania — 

That on the last Tluirsday of this month the President adjourn Congress, to meet 
at riiiladelphia on the next Saturday, there to sit, for the dispatch of public business, 
till the first ^Monday in June next, at which time the President is hereby empowered 
and directed to adjourn Congress, to meet at Trenton on the Wednesday following. 

Mr. Duane moved to strike out ''Philadelphia'" and insert in its 
place ''Trenton," and to strike out all the Avords after ''business." 
This amendment Avas rejected, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecti- 
cut, NcAv York, and New Jersey voting in the affirmative. 

Mr. Williamson's motion Avas then rejected, Ncav York, Pennsyl- 
vania, Delaware, Virginia, and North Carolina having voted in the 
affirmative. 

Saturday, Octoher 11, 1783. — The order of the day being called for, 
a motion Avas made l)y Mr. Ellery, of Rhode Island, seconded by Mr. 
Ilolten, of Massachusetts^ 

That the President of Congress be, and he is herel)y, authorizeil and directed to 
adjourn Congress on the 22d, to meet at Annapolis, in the State of Maryland, on the 
31st of October instant, there to sit for the dispatch of public business till the first 
Monday in June next, at which time the President is hereby empowered and directed 
to adjourn Congi-ess to meet at Trenton on the Wednesday following. 

This motion havino- been amended by striking out the words "there 
to sit," etc., and all the folloAving words to the end, and by inserting 
the Avords ''for the place of tlieir temporary residence," was lost: 
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, DelaAvare, Maryland, and 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUTtfBIA. 41 

North Carolina Noting- in the ailirinative; South Carolina was divided, 
and New Hamp.shire and Georgia were not represented. 

Monday^ October 13, 1783. — The order of the day heino- called for, 
a motion was made l>y Mr. Mercer, of Virginia, seconded by Mr. Lee, 
of Virginia, that Congress will, on the 15th instant, adjourn to meet 
at the city of Williamsburg, in the State of Virginia, on the 30th 
instant, there to sit for the dispatch of public business. 

A motion was made by Mr. Howell, of Rhode Island, seconded l)y 
INIr. Elllery, to strike out the words "there to sit for the dispatch of 
pu])lic business," and in lieu thereof insert "for the place of their 
temporary residence." This amendment was not carried. Massachu- 
setts, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Mary- 
land voted in the attirmative; Coimecticut and North Carolina were 
divided; New Hampshire, Delaware, South Carolina, and Georgia 
w^ere not represented; Virginia voted in the negative. 

The motion of Mr. INIercer was lost, Virginia alone voting in the 
affirmative. 

Friday^ Octoher 17, 1783. — A motion was made b^- JMi-. Gerry, of 
Massachusetts, seconded l)y Mr. Lee, of Virginia^ in the w^ords fol- 
lowing: 

Wherea.« the resolutions of Congress, of the 7th instant, to erec't Ijuildings for 
tlu'ir use at *)V near the falls of the Delaware, are not satisfactory to a respectable part 
of tlio United States, five of which, on the 8th instant, voted for the reconsideration 
of the said resolutions; and whereas Congress have no prospect of a general assent 
to any one place for their residence, and there is everj' reason to expect that the 
providing l)uildings for the alternate residence of Congress in two places will he 
productive of the most salutary effects, by securing the mutual confidence and affec- 
tions oi the States, and preserving the Federal balance of power: it is therefore, 
resolved, That buildings be likewise erected for the use of Congress, at or near the 
lower falls of rotomac, or Geoi'getown; jjfovided a suitable district on the banks of 
the river can lie procured for a Federal town, and the right of soil and an exclusive 
jurisdiction, or such other as Congress may direct, shall l)e vested in the United States. 

Whereupon a motion was made b}' Mr. Clarke, of New Jersey, 
seconded by Mr. Peters, of Pennsylvania, as follows: 

Whereas the motion now before the House, made by the honorable mover from 
Massacl uisetts, appears to involve in it such important consequences to the Union as 
to require a special and deliberate investigation, unconnected with any other subject, 
and ought not be determined ujMjn a motion immediately taken up without j>re- 
vious notice thereof given to the States, as was the case in fixing a single Federal 
town; therefore resolved, That the said motion be postponed to the first Monday in 
April next, and copies thereof be transmitted to the executives of the several States. 

Mr. Clarke's resolution was lost. New York, New Jersey, and Penn- 
sylvania voting in favor of it. 

The consideration of the main question was postponed till Wednes- 
day. 

Saturday, Octoher 18., 1783. — A motion was made by Mr. McHenry, 
of Marvland, seconded bv Mr. iNIercer, of Virginia, to reconsider the 



42 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

resolution ""that the consideration of the motion made by Mr. Gerry 
be postponed till Wednesday." When the question was about to be 
put, the determination thereof was postponed b}- the State of New 
Jersey. 

Monday^ Octoher W^ 178 J. — On tlie (Question to reconsider the reso- 
lution postponing the consideration of Mr. Gerry's motion to Wednes- 
day next, it Avas resolved in the affirmative, New York alone voting 
in the negative, and New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pe^ns3dvania, 
Delaware, and Georgia not being represented. 

On the motion that the consideration of ^Nlr. Gerrv's motion be 
postponed to Wednesday next, the question was lost. 

Mr. Gerry's motion then being taken into consideration, he moved 
to amend it hy adding thereto — 

and that until tlie buildings to l)e erected on the banks of the Delaware and Poio- 
mac shall be prepared for the reception of Congress, tlieir residence shall be alter- 
nately at equal periods of not more than one .\ear and not less than six niontlis in 
Trenton and Annapolis; and the President id hereby authorized and directed to 
adjourn Congress on the 10th of November next, to meet at Annapolis on the 2oth 
day of the same month for the dispatch of ]iublic business. 

On motion, the words ''of not more than one year and not less than 
six months'' were stricken out. But Congress refused to strike out 
the words "and Potomac," "alternately at equal periods," " and An- 
napolis." " at Annapolis ;" New York alone voting in favor of the 
motion. 

The amendment of Mr. Gerry, after being so amended, was jost, six 
States only voting in its favor, viz, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Mary- 
land, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. New York alone 
voted in the negative, the other States being divided or not represented. 

Tuesday^ October 21^ 1783. — The amendment offered by Mr. Gerry — 
on the preceding day and lost — was in substance renewed by Mr. Ellery, 
who had voted against it, and was now carried by the same votes, with 
the addition of Rhode Island, which on the former vote had been 
divided. The whole resolution of Mr. GeiTv was then adopted by the 
same votes, viz, Massachusetts, lihode Island. Connecticut, Maryland, 
Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina voted in the affirmative, 
New York alone in the negative; the other States were not represented. 
The resolution as passed was in this form: 

Whereas there is reason to expect tliat the providing buildings for the alternate 
residence of Congress in two places, will be productive of the most salutary effects, 
by seeming the mutual confidence and affections of the States. 

Resolved, That buildings be likewise erected for the use of Congress, at or near the 
lower falls of Potomac or Georgetown; provided a suitable district on the banks of 
the river can be procured for a Federal town, and the right of soil, and an exclusive 
jurisdiction, or such other as Congress may direct, sliall be vested in the United 
States; and that until the buildings to be erected on the banks of the Delaware and 
Potomac shall be prepared for the reception of Congress, their residence shall be 
alternately at equal periods of not more than one year, and not less than six months, 



GOVERNMENT (W THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 43 

in Trenton and Annapolis; and tlio T^roisiilonl is liereby authorized and directed to 
adjourn Congress on tlic 12th day of Novend)er next, to meet at AnnapoHs on the 
26tii day of tho sani(> month, for the disjiatcli of ])nbli(' husiness. 

Tkm'sdat/, (>ci(iJ)t I' rlO^ 17 So. — 

Remlivd, That in ease a President siiall not be pliosen on or before the 12th day of 
November next, the Secretary adjourn Congress on the day, to meet at Aimapolis on 
tlic 2t)th of tlie said montli, according to the resolution of the 20th (2188) instant. 

Seven Stutcs voteW in the alliniiative; thrco, viz, New York, New 
Jorse^y, and Pennsylvania, in the negative; New llanipsliire, Delawai-e, 
and Georoia wei-e not represented. 

A motion was made l)y Mr. Lee, of \' irginia, seconded by 'Mv. llolten, 
of Massachusetts, that a committee be appointed to repair to the lower 
falls of the Potomac, to view the situation of the country in the vicinity 
of the same, and report a ])roper district for carrying into etl'ect the 
resolution of the 21st of Octobei". 

\\'hereupon a motion was madi^ by Mr. Ilowell, of Rhode Island, 
seconded by Mr. Carroll, of Maryland, to amend the foregoing motion 
by adding — 

And that the conunittee appointed on the 7th day of Octolter, instant, to report 
the iiKist suitable place for erecting buildings for tlu^ acH'omniodation of Congress near 
tlu' falls of the Delaware, be directed to report as soon as may be. 

which was carried by the votes of the same seven States, as was also 
Mr. Lee's motion so ayiended, in the following form, viz: 

liesolred, That a conunittee be appointed to repair to tiie lower falls of Potomac, 
to view the situation of the country in the vicinity of the same, and rejiort a ])r()i)er 
district for carrying into effect the resolution of the 21st of October; and that the 
committee appointed on the 7th of October to report the most suitable place for 
erecting buildings for the accommodation of Congress near the falls of the Delaware, 
1)0 directed to report as soon as may be. The members, Mr. Hawkins, of North 
Ca)(jlina; Mr. Gerry, of JMassachusetts; Mr. Carroll, of JNlaryland; Mr. Mercer, of 
Virginia, and Mr. Williamson, of North Carolina. 

It was also resolved (by the same votes) — 

That the President transmit to the executives of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Mary- 
land, and Virginia copies of the acts of Congress of the 7th instant, respecting 
buildings to be erected for a Federal town on the banks of the Delaware; and of the 
acts of the 21st instant, respecting buildings to be erected on the banks of PotOiuac 
for a second Federal town, and the adjournment of Congress to AnnapoHs; and that 
copies be also transmitted to the several other States in the Union. 

Monday, Novemher <?, 1783. — 

Resolved, That the Chairman, in the absence of the President, be, and he is hereby, 
empowered and directed to adjourn Congress on the 6th instant, to meet at Annapolis 
on the 26th, agreeable to the resolution of the 21st of Ot!tol)er last. 

Tuesday.^ Novemher Ji,th^ 1783. — 

licHolred, That the resolution, passed yesterday, empowering the Chairman \<> 
adjourn Congress on the 6th, be reconsidered and altereil to the 4tli. 

Resolved, That this Congress be, and it is hereby adjourned to meet at Annapolis 
on the 26th of the present month. 



44 OOVEKNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

Wednesdaf/, April Af, i754.—'riii^ delegates of the State of Hliode 
Island and Pi()\"Kli'iu'e Plantations having informed Congress that the 
legislature of said State, at their session in February last passed the 
following resolution, to wit: 

Resolved, That the delegates of this State be, and they are hereby, instrneted to use 
their inthienee to obtain a recess of Congress as soon as tlu^ national business will 
possibly admit. 

It is further voted tliat the delegates of this State recjuest that honarable bod}- to 
adjourn and convene at Rhode Island in the course of the next year, or as soon as 
may be convenient; and that Congress be informed that if the aforesaiil request shall 
be acceded to, this State will i>repare suitable buildings for their accommodation. 

And thereupon moved — 

That on the 2t)th day of May next, the I'resident ailjourn this Congress mitil the 
26th day of October next, then to meet at Newport, in the State of Rhode Island and 
I'roNidence Plantations; and, if a sutHcient number of members to forui a house 
should not then meet, that all the ])usiness befon> this Congress unlinished at the 
time of said adjourmuent be referred to the United States in Congress, who shall be 
assembled at said Newport on the first IMonday in November next. 

A motion was then made by ^Ir. Jotl'crson. of Mrginia, seconded hy 
Mr. Hardy, of Virginia, to strike out the words ''then to meet at 
Newport, in the State of Hhode Island and Providence Plantations," 
and afterwards the words '"at said Newport," which were accordingly 
stricken out. Rhode Island alone voting in favor of retaining them. 

A motion was then itiade by Mr. Montgomery, of Pennsylvania, 
seconded bv]\Ii-. Hand, of Pemisylvania. in lieu of the words struck 
out to insert "to mei't at l^hiladclphia,"" which motion was lost, 
Pennsylvania alone voting in its favor. 

A motion was then made by ]Mr. Monroe, of A'irginia, seconded l)y 
Mr. Mcllenry, of jVIaryland, to postpone the further consideration of 
the motion under debate, in order to take up the following: 

That the States of ^laryland and Virginia be informed, that i)rovidetl they will 
advance the United States— — pounds, for the erecting the necessary buildings 
for the reception of Congress at or wvax (ieorgetown, at the falls of Potomac, it shall 

be allowed them in the recpiisition made on them for the, year , by the United 

States in Congress assembled; 

which passed in the negative, Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina 
voting in the atlirmative, Rhode Island and North Carolina being- 
divided, Delaware and Georgia not l)eing represented. 

A motion was then made l)y Mr, Jeti'erson, secondtnl by Mr. Mon- 
roe, in lieu of the words struck out, to insert '"Alexandria:" whicli 
motion was lost, Virginia alone voting in its fa\or. 

A motion was then made by ]Mr. Beatty, of New Jersey, seconded 
b}^ Mr. Sherman, of Connecticut, in lieu of the words struck out, to 
insert "to meet at Trenton, in the State of New Jersey, agreeably to 
their act of the 21st of October last," which was carried, INlaryltind, 
Virginia, and South Carolina voting in the negative. North Carolina 
divided, Delaware and Georgia not represented. 



(K)VEK.NMKNT oK THK DISTKICT (»K COLUMBIA. 45 

A motion was thtMi niado by Mr. Jerterson for a fiirthcM- jiniondinont, 
by {icklino-, iiimiO(li:itoly tiftor the words inserted, these words, to wit: 
'''"Provided^ A eoniiuittee of the Stiites shall have been previously con- 
stituted.'"' On this amendment the previous ([uestion was moved l)y 
the State of ISIassaehusetts, seconded by the State of New Jersey; and 
on tiu> ([uestion to ayree to the previous question it was lost; ayes, 
5; noes, 5; Ncav York divided. 

Monday^ Aj)ril i36, 1784. — Present eleven States. 

A motion was niad(^ by ^Ir. Howell, seconded l)y INIr. Gerry — 

lluit the I'n'suk'Ui be, and ho it> heroby, anthorizetl and dirorUnl to adjourn (^onp:rcss 
on the third day of Jnne next, to meet on the thirtietli of Octolier next at Trenton, 
for the dispateli of pul)hc huniness; and that a coniniittee of the States shall be 
appointed to sit in the reeess of Congress. 

A motion was made by Mr. Mcllenry, seconded by Mr. Spaio"ht, of 
North Carolina, to postpone the consideration of the foreo-oi no- motion 
in order to take into consideration the report of a connnittee "to 
whom was referred a report on the powers with which a I'ommittee of 
the States should be vested durinj'* the recess of Congress, and a motion 
on the same subject."' 

The motion to postpone Avas lost, Pennsylvania and all the States 
east of Pennsylvania voting in the negative; Maryland and all south 
of Maryland voting in the altirmative. Delaware and Georgia were 
not represented. 

A motion was then made l)y j\Ir. AYilliamson, of North Carolina, 
seconded by Mr. Mclicnry, to amend the motion of Mr. Howell bv 
adding thereto — 

Pi'oridid, A committee of tlie States shall first have been appointed to sit in the 
recess of Congress, and the powers di'lined with whicli the said committee shall be 
vested, according to the tenth of the Articles of Confederation. 

This motion was also negatived by the same vote. 

A motion was then made by Mr. JNIcHenry, seconded by Mr. Mer- 
cer, to postpone the further consideration of the motion luider debate 
in order to take up the following: 

That as soon as u pro])er [)lace shall be re])orted by tlie connnittee appointed to 
view and report a proper })lace for a Federal town at or near Georgetown, on the 
Potomac, and the soil and jurisdiction obtained as well for the town on Potomac as 
that on Delaware, Congress will forthwith proceed to erect such ]>ul)lic buildings as 
may be necessary for their sessions, at the expense of tlie Cnitetl States, out of the 
common treasury thereof; that the foundations of the said buildings shall be laid at 
the same time, and no sum of money appropriated for the one, unless an equal sum 
be appropriated for tlu> otiier. 

The motion to postpone for the purpose aforesaid was lost, Mar}^- 
laiul alone voting in the affirmative, and Virginia and South Carolina 
being divided. Mr. ,Ieli'crson and Mr. Monroe voted in the negative. 



46 GOVEKNMEXT OF THE DISTRICT OF OOLFMinV. 

A niolion was tluMt made t)v Mr. Hardy, of \ ir^iiiia. and soi-ondoil 
bv ]Mr. Head, of South Carolina, to postpone the ecMisidoration of the 
motion under det)ate, in ortU^r to (:dve \\\i tht^ following": 

AVhereas the resolution of the "JOth of Oi-tolvr last ]>rovides that Congres? shall 
reside at Trenton and Annapolis, alternately, at ennal jxTiods of not less than six 
months or more than twelve, until tho l>niUlin>:s on tho hanks of I'otoinae and Pol- 
aware be ready for their ivee{>tion: 

And wherea.* the deleijates from Khodo Island, pursuant to"" ir.structions from 
that State, have moved a resolution that t'on<:rfss adjonrn to Nowjiort. in tho State 
of Khode Island, fntm whii-h it is ovidently the st'use of that State that tho resolu- 
tion for two Federal towns should not he t'arriod into effect: 

And wheivas it appeai-s to be the .sonso of a majority of tho States in (.'ouijress 
assembled, by a motion from tiie State of C'ounoetient forbiddiuii- the eomnuttee 
appointeil to view the iiround at or near (ieorgc'town \o proi-eed in that bu.sine.ss 
until the furtlu'r order of Conjiress, and by a motion for allowim:- the States of 

^laryland anil Virginia to advance pounds ior the purpose of crei-tinir public 

buildings at or near (.Jeorgetown. and for giving them credit for the sami> in tlu> 

requisition oi year, which last being negatived, amomits to a virtual repeal of 

the afore.-^aid act; and as it will be expedient to tix on a situation the most central to 
all }iarts of the I'nion for holding the sessions of Congre.-<s. 

Besolved, Tiiat Congress hold their sessions in Annapolis, in the State of ^laryland, 
until they decide on some place for their ]iermaneut residcui-c and the necessary 
public buildings be erected for their accommodation. 

On this motion th(> previt)iis (jnestion was mo\ ed by the Siati^ of 
Connec'tieiit, seconded by the State of Rhode Island: and on the iiia>s- 
tion to aoToe to the previous (|uostion, the yeas and nays l)eino- fetiiured 
by Mr. Hardy, the yeas w ere. New Haiupshiri\ Massaeluisetts. Rhode 
Island, Conneetieut, Mew \\)rk. New flersey. and rennsyh ania: nay, 
ISIaryland; divided, Viryiniti, North Carolina, and South Carolina; 
not represented, nelawtire and (ieoroia. 

So it was resolved in the :illirmativ(\ and the motion was set aside. 

The orioinal motion of ]Mr. Howell w;is then etirried, Reimsylvania 
and all the States east of PiMuisyh ania votin*i" in the atlirmative; 
Maryland, Viriiiniti. and South Carolina in the ne^'ative: North Caro- 
lina divided, and Dehiware tind Georo-ia not i;e]M-esented. So it was — 

Hesolird, That the President he. and he hereby is. authorized and directe<l to 
adjonrn Congress on the ;^d day of .June next, to meet on the oOth of October next 
at Trenton for the dispatch of publii- business; and that a committei' of the States 
shall be appointetl to sit in the recess of Ci>ngress. 

T/iu/sdtn/, Jiow S, liSJf. — The President, in jnirsutinee oi the aet of 
the '2(>th of April, adjourned (\ino-ress to meet at Trenton on the ;'.('( h 
of Oetober, where they met November 1. 

Ft'lihiy, Dect'Dther 10, 17\%.~X motion l>eino- made by the State of 
South Carolina, seconded by the State of Pennsylvania, "that for the 
more convenient transaction of the business of the Ignited States and 
acconnuodation of Congress it is expedient iov iIkmu to adjourn from 
their present residence," the determination thereof was postponed to 
the next day, when the question was lost, the atlirmative N'otes being 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 47 

l*eiuisylvania, Delaware, Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgvia; the 
ncg"ative, ^las.sachusetts, New York, and New Jersey; not repre- 
sented. Now Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maryland, and 
North Carolina. 

Monday, December 20^ 1784. — On motion of Mr. Howell, seconded 
by ^Ir. 'lay, of New York — 

Resolved, That it is expedient the Congress proceeil to take measures for suitable 
buil(lin<j;s to be erected for their acconimodatioii. 

lu'xolnd (by nine States), Tliat a sum not exeeedinjj; $100,000 bi^ appropriated for 
the payment of the expense of erecting such buildings, provided always that hotels 
or dwelling houses for the members of Congress representing the different States 
shall not be understood as included in the above appropriation. 

Resuhed, That it is inexpedient for Congress at this time to erect public buildings 
for their accommodation at more than one place. 

Tuesday, Deccndcr )il^ 1781/,. — A motion was made by Mr. Pinckney, 
of South Carolina, seconded by Mr. Ja}', that it is expedient Congress 
should determine on a place, at which they will continue to sit until 
proper accommodations in a Federal town shall be erected, and that 
the subsisting- resolutions respecting the altiu'nate tempo rar}' residence 
of Congress at Trenton and Annapolis, be repealed. 

A motion of Mr. Howell, seconded by Mr. Ellery, to strike out 
the Avords "and that the subsisting resolutions,'"' etc., to the end, 
the (juestion being taken shall those words stand, it was decided in the 
negative and the words were stric^ken out. The aflirmative \otes were, 
New York, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia; the 
negative, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Jersey; Pennsylvania 
was divided, and New Hampshire, Connecticut, Delaware, and Mary- 
land were not represented. 

The resolution being further amended was passed thus: 

Resolved, That it is expedient Congress should determine on a place at which they 
will continue to sit until i)ul)lic buildings for their proper accommodation shall be 
erected. 

Thursday, Decemher 23^ 17 8 J^,. — An oi'dinance for carrying into exe- 
cution the resolutions of the 20th instant, and for fixing upon a place 
for the residence of Congress, until suitable buildings shall be erected 
for their acconunodation, being moved by Mr. Gerry, seconded by 
Mr. Howell, read a first tim(\ and taken up for a second reading, and 
the following paragraph ])eing under debate — 

That for this purpose three comnussioners be appointed with full powers to lay out 
a district of not less than two nor exceeding three miles square, on the banks of 
either side of the Delaware, not lower than Lamberton, nor more than six miles 
above it, for a Federal town. 

A motion was made ))y ^Ir. Hardy, of Virginia, seconded by 
Mr. Monroe, to strike out the words "on the banks of either side of 
the Delaware, not lower than Lamberton, nor more than 6 miles above 



48 



GOVEENMENT OF THE DISTKICT OF COLUMBIA. 



it,'' and ill lieu thereof to in.sert, ''at Georgetown, on the Potomac." 
But the motion was lo«t, Virginia alone voting in the affirmative. 

Sundry amendments })eing made, wlien the jxiragraph was under 
debate, viz: 

"That on the day of next Congress stand adjonrned to meet at , 

on the day of foi lowing, for the dispatch of pnlilic business, and that 

the sessions of C'ongress l)e lield at the j)laee last mentioned until the Ijuildings afore- 
said shall be ready for their reception." ^ 

A motion was then made by Mr. Houston, of New eTersey, seconded 

by iVIr. Howell, to strike out the words, "that on the day of 

— next Congress stand adjourned to meet at on the 



day of following, and that the sessions of Congress be held at 

the place last mentioned." and in lieu thereof insert, "and that Con- 
gress shall continue to hold their sessions at Trenton," which motion 
was also lost; llhode Island and New Jersey only voting in its favor. 

A motion was then made ])y Mr. Hardy, seconded l)y Mr. 8})aight, 
of North Carolina, to till u}) the blank after "meet at" with the word 
"Philadelphia." which was also lost; Pennsylvania, Virginia, North 
Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia voting in the affirmative; 
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and New Jersey in the 
negative; New Hampshire, Connecticut, Delaware, and Maryland not 
represented. 

A motion was then made by Mr. Ellery, seconded by Mr. Howell, 
to (ill the blank with the words, "city of Newport, in the State of 
llhode Island ;ind Providence Plantations," which was also lost; Rhode 
Island alone voting for it. 

A motion was then made by Mr. Howell, seconded by Mr. Spaight, 
to fill the blank with "the city of New York," which was carried; 
Pennsylvania alone voting in the negative, Georgia being divided, 
and New Hampshire, Connecticut, Delaware, and Maryland not 
represented. 

The other blanks being filled, the ordinance was read the third time 
and agreed to. as follows: ' 

Be it ordained by the United States i)i Congress dssemhlcd, That the resolutions of the 
20th instant, respecting the erecting buildings for the use of Congress, l)e carried into 
effect without delay; that for this purpose three commissioners be appointed, with 
full power to lay out a district of not less than two nor exceeding three miles square 
on the banks of either side of the Delaware, not more than eight miles al)ove or 
below the falls thereof, for a Federal town; that they be authorized to purchase the 
soil, or such part of it as they may judge necessary, to be ])aid in proper installments; 
to enter into contracts for erecting and completing, in an elegant manner, a Federal 
house for the accommodation of Congress, and for executive officers thereof; a house 
for the use of the President of Congress, and suitable buildings for the residence of 
the secretary of foreign affairs, secretary at war, secretary of Congress, secretary of 
the marine, and officers of the Treasury; that the said commissioners l)e empowered 
to draw on the Treasury of the United States for a sum not exceeding one hundred 
thousand dollars for the purpose aforesaid; that in choosing a situation for the 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT <»K COLUMHIA. 49 

buildinjjjs (liic ir^aid he had to tlii' ucc'onnnodation of llie States, witli luls for 
liouses for Ihc use of tlu'ir dck-^'ates, respectively; tliatou tlie 24tli day of December 
instant, Con.ui'ess stand adjourned to meet at the city of New York on \hr 11th day of 
January following, for the desi)atch of j)ul)lic Inisiness, and that the sessions of 
Congress he held at the place last mentioned until the buildings aforesaid sliall be 
nnidy for their reception. Done, etc. 

Fridcfy, Decemher U, HSl^.— 

Resolved, That Congress will proceed to the election of coniniissioners, for carrying 
into execution the iiurposes mentioned in the oi'dinance of yesterday, on the l.'lth of 
January next. 

HcHoInd, That the President transmit to the executives of the several States tlie 
ordinance passed yesterday, and that it be also pul)!ishod. 

]\('solrcd, That Congress entertain a due sense of the attention of the legislature of 
the State of New Jersej' in iirovi<ling acconunodations for their reception, and also 
of the exertions of the inhabitants of Trenton in accomplisliing the intentions of 
their legislature. 

Oil iiioCioii ol' Mr. Kino-, of Ma.s.sticlmsctts, seconded l)y Mr. Howell, 
Congress came to the followino' resolution: 

The delegates of rennsylvania, having laid before Congress tlu^ resolves of their 
legislature of the 27th of November last — 

liesoJrrd, That Congress entertain a due sense of the attention of tiie Commonwealth 
of rennsylvania in offering to Congress the use of their })ul)lic buildings in the city 
of Philadelphia foi- their temporary residence. 

Adjourned to meet at the city of New York the 11th of January 
next. 

On Thursday, January 11, 1785, Congress met at New York, seven 
States beino- present, luit did not on that day proceed to the election 
of the commissioners inider the ordinance of the 2-Sd of December, 
1784, agi'eea])ly to the resolve of the 24th of December. 

Tuesday^ Jan nary 18^ 1785.— 

liesolred, That the mayor and corporation of the city of New York be informed 
that Congress entertain a just sense of the attention which they have manifested to 
the interest of the Federal rnion in the offer they have made of such of the public 
buildings in the city as may be necessary for the transaction of public business, and 
that they accept of the several apartments in the city hall, the whole of which 
(except the court and jury rooms) will be necessary for the session of Congress and 
the accommodation of their officers. 

Tuesday, February <§, 1785. — The order of the day ))eing- called to 
proceed to the election of the three commissioners, pursuant to the 
ordinance of the 23d December, 1784, 

A motion wtis made liy Mr. Williamson, of North Carolina, seconded 

by "Mr. Sitgreaves, of Pennsylvania, to postpone the order of the day 

to take up the following: 

That the commissioners who may be appointed in pursuance of the 2.Sd December, 
1784, be instructed to examine such places on the river Delaware, within the limits 
prescribed, as may be i>urchased, and such as they may judge i)ro]»er for the site of 
public buildings; to cause one or more places to be surveyed on each side of tlie 
river, and report to Congress the situation and quantity of land offered them for 

14248—03 4 



50 fJOVERNMKN'r OK TIIK rUSTUTCT OK COLUMBIA. 

sale, ami tlic tcniis on wliicli the several tracts may be purchased, jx-operly autheu- 
ticalcil by nuMliffcrent proprietors. 

This motion \v;is lost, North Ciii'olina iiionc \()tino- in its favor. 
A motion was then made by Mr. jNIclIenrv, ot" Maryhind, seconded 
by Mr. Foster, of New Hampshire — 

that Coiifjiress do not proceed to tlie ai)i)ointnient of commissioners, to carry the 
onlinance for foundin;j; the sai<l town into effect, till tiie delcirales, rei)resentin<j; the 
sevi'ral States, liave time to consnit, in a matter so inijiortant and inonientons, tlio 
sense of their constituents. 

This motion was decided (o be in ordtM-, but Congress adjourned 
without takino' a (juestion upon it. 

Wednesday, February 0, TnSo. — The ordcM- ol" th(^ day bcMno- called 
to proceed to the election ot" three conunissioncMs. pursuant to the 
ordinance of "2'Sd Decendxu-, iTsl, (he same was postponed till to-mor- 
row by the State of Yiroiuia. 

T/iiirsd((y^ I'\I>ri((iry 10^ 77'(S',T. — \ luotion fui'tiuM" to ])ost]>one the 
order of the day, to ])roce(Ml to the (dection of three conuuissioners, 
etc., was neoati\ed, Maryhind alone votino- in the atHrmative. 

Cono-ress proceeded to th(^ (dection of thriHi conuuissioners, pursuant 
to the ordinance of tlio 'lo(\ of HiH-ember, 1TS4, and the ballots ])eino- 
taken, rhilij) Schuyler, estp, was elected, lia\ iiio- been previously 
nominated by Mr. W. Livinoston, of New York. 

Friday, Khruary 11, 17So. — Cong-rcss proceeded to (he (dection of 
the two remainino- conuuissioners. pursuant to th(> ordinance of the 
2od of l)ecend)er, LTS4, and the ballots beino- taken, Mr. Philemon 
Dickenson and ^Ir. Kol)ert ]\Iorris wi>re ivlected, tlu> former havino- 
been previously nominated by Mr. Stewart, of New Jersey, and the 
latter by INIr. Ellcry, of Klioile Island. 

Tuesday, March \o, 17So.—A lett«n- of tlu« ;Ul, from Mr. P. Schuy- 
ler, was ri'ad, wherein he (Undines the office of couuuissioner for car- 
rying into etl'ect the act for Federal l)uildino-s. 
^ Friday, 3farc/> 11, 17S6.— 

Jit'solrctf, That Tu(^sday next he assijined for tlie election of a conunissioner for 
cnrryini,' into exi-cntion tlie purposes mentioned in the ordinance of l)ecend>er 23, 
17S4, in the i)lace of I'hiUp .Schuyler, esip, who has declined to accept that appoint- 
ment. 

A motion (o strike out "Tu(>sday'" and insert "the lirst iNIonday in 
INlay*' was los(, Maryland alone voting" in its favor. 

Wednesd((y, Jfare/i ll>, 1785. — Mv. John Brown, nourinated ])y Mr. 
Beatty, of New Jersey, was elected commissioner in i\\o ])lace of Mr. 
r. S(dmyler. 

The flournals of Congress do not show^ that any further proceedings 
were had uiuler the ordinaiu-e of 2'M Decend)er, lT8-t. 

On Tuesday, April lo, ITST. Congress luiving continued its sessions 
ill New York ever since the 13th of January*, 1785, 



GOVEllNMKNT <»K TJIK DISTKIOT OF OOLUMIUA. T)! 

A motion was made by Mr. Kearney, of Delaware, sceonded by Mr. 
lilount, of North Carolina: 

Tliat on the lust Friday in the i)reHent month Coii^n-CHH will tuljonrn, to iiKict on 
the lif.st Monday in June next at the city of I'iiiiadeiphia, in the State of l'enn,syl- 
vania, and the* Pnwident of ConjjjreHS in herehy authorized and directed, on the Haid 
last Friday in the j)resent- nioiitii, to adjourn Congress to the said first Monday in 
June next to meet in the city <jf l'hiladel|)liia, in the Stat(! of I'eniiHylvania; and 
that the secretary of Congress and the heads of the several d(!partments take order 
for the removal of the books and papers belonging to their respective oflices to the 
said city of I'iiiiadeiphia. 

A motion was then made by Mr. Varnum, of Rhode Island, to 
amend the motion, so as to substitute Newport for l'hilad(',l|)hia; 
which motion to amend was lost, Rhode Island alone votiiio- in i\u\ 
adirmative. 

A motion was then made by Mr. Kino', of Massachus(>tts, so to amcMid 
the i-esohition as to leave it a simple resolution to adjourn on tiie last 
Friday of the month, till the first Monday in June; which motion wa,s 
carried. 

Mr. Kino- (hen moved to strike out the words, "on the last Friday 
of the present month," and when the (juestion was about to be, put 
the determination was postponed hy the State of Massachusetts to the 
next day, when it was postponed indelinitely. 

On Thursday, May 10, 1787, a motion by Mr. Kearney, of Dcilawarc, 
to adjourn on the lOth, to meet at IMiiladelpliiji on the second Monday 
in rJune, was decided not to })e in order, becaus(? contrary to the ordi- 
nance of the '■2'ddoi I)eceni})er, 17S-1, which enacted that the sessions of 
Congress should be held in New York luitil the public buildings in the 
Federal town should be ready for their reception. 

Mr. Kearney then renewed his motion with this addition, '''Anything- 
in the ordinance of the 23d of December, 1784, contained, to the con- 
trary notwithstanding." 

A motion was then made by Mr. Lee, of Virginia, seconded by Mi-. 
linger, of South Carolina, to postpone the motion before the House 
to take up the following, viz: 

Whereas the convenient and (hie ailministration of tiic, ( iov(uiunent of the Unite<l 
States recjuires that a permanent situatioii mcjst central to all parts of the Union be 
establisheil for holding the sessions of Congress. 

lii'solrcd, That the board of treasury \iikt-, measures for erecting the necessary 
public buildings, for the acccjnnnodation of Congress, atCeorgetown, on the J'otomac 
River, so soon as the soil and jurisiliction of the said town are obtained, and that <n\ 
the completion of the said buildings that Congress adjourn their sessions to the said 
Federal town. 

Reaolrcd, That the States of Maryland and Virginia he alhnvetl a credit in the 
requisition of 1787, or in the arrearages due on past re<juisitions for such sums of 
money which lh('y may respectively furnish toward the erection of 1h(;Haid})uildings, 

This motion was lost; Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, and 
Georgia voted in the athrmative; New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, 






GOVEKNMKNT OF THE DISTKICT OK COLUMBIA. 



Maiyliitul, aiul N\)r(h Carolina in Ihc iK'nalivc; Nrw Hampshire, I'dii- 
ncctiout, Ivhodc Islaiul, and South Carolina iu)t represented. 

A motion Avas then macU^ l)v ]\Ir. Ije(\ s«>eonded by ISlr. Carrin^ton, 
ol" Virj^inia, to anuMid the motion hcd'ore the hous(^ by addiny- the 
l'olh)win_i;' words: 

'Pliat ihe lioard df Ircasiiry take ufdrr fur llu' |)aynu'iit of all jiisl rxptMisi'S w liicli 
till' (illicrr.s of tlii" Iriited Stati's may 1h' iinohrtl in liy tlic a<ljonriiinrnt of CoiiuiH'SS 
iH'fiii'o till' rxpiralioii of llio year; 

Avhieli motion was also lost. Miissnehusetts. Ni>\v York, and A'iru'inia 
votiiio' in the allirmative. 

An unsiicccs.sl'ul Ujotion was made l)\ Mi'. Carrinoton, of Viri-'inia, 
to substitute the loth and ;;oth of October for the IGth of May and the 
s(M'ond Monday in flun(>; but Mr. l>ane, ol" Massachusetts. pre\ ailed 
in a motion to strike out th(> second Monday in rlune next. 

Nothino' further a])pears to lia\(' been done upon Mi'. i\earnev''s 
motion of the 10th of May, 1787. 

Moiidiii/^ 'Inhj '2S^ 17SS.-~'X\\(^ committee, consistino* of ^fr. Carrino-- 
ton, INIr. Kdwardt;, jNIr. Baldwin, ]\Ir. Otis, and Mr, Tucker, to whom 
were i-(>ferrcd the acts of the several States -which have been trans- 
mitted to Congress, ratifyinii" the Constitution for the United States 
of America, havino- n^ported an act foi* putting" the said Constitution 
into operation, and the followino- parao-niph havino- been debated and 
amended to read as follows: 

That till' lirsl Wednesday in .lanuary nrxt hi- tin' day for ai>i>ointiiiu: i-li'i-tors in 
the 8i'veral States which havr, or shall, lu'lori' the said day liavr ratilicd the said 
(\)nstitution; that the lirst Weihiesday in February next l>e the day for the eleetora 
to assemble in (heir respective States and vote for a President, and that the first 
Wednesday in ^larch next be the time and — (he plaee for eoiniiu-iuiiii; pro- 
ceedings nnder the said Constitntit>n; 

a motion was made by ]Mr. Kdwards. of Connecticut, seconded by iNIr. 
AVilliamson, of North Carolina, to till the blank with •'Philadelphia." 
This motion was lost; New nampshir(\ Connecticut, Pennsylvania, 
Maryland, Viroinia. and North Carolina voti'^d in the allirmative; 
INhissachusetts, Ni>w York, New Jersi>y, and South Carolina in the 
ne«^'ative; Dehiware :ind Ceorijia were divided, and Rhode Ishind Avas 
not represented. 

AVidntsdaij^ Juh/ JO, i7<S\S\— The oi'der of the day heino- called for, 
and the paragTapli which was luider debate on Monday beino- read, a 
motion was made by Mr. Dayton, of Ncav Jersey, seconded l)v ISlr. 
lluo-er, of South Carolina, to till the ])lank with the words "the t-ity 
of NeAV York, in the State of NeAV York." Thereupon a motion was 
made by ^NFr. Lee, seconded l)y Mr. Clarke, of Ncay flersey, in lieu of 
this, to amend the i)arau-raph so that the last clause be '"and at such 
place as shall hereafter be ai)})ointed by Congress." 

The motion of Mr. Lee so to amend it was lost, Massai'husetts, 
New York, New Jersey, and South Carolina voting in the allirmative; 



(iOVKKNMKNT <>K 'I'HK DIHTUIdT OK (iOLUMJUA. 53 

('oiincciicut, l\Miii,syl\:iiiiji, DcliiwiU'c, Mui\ liiiid, Viio-inia, North (^ur- 
oliiia, and (Jcoro-iu in ili(> ii(>oiiliv(^; N(i\v IIuiiipsliiiHi l)(>itii>- divided aiid 
Uliodo Isliiiul not hciiio- i-cpi-csciiliHl. 

Monday, Aik/usI ,^, /'/A'.S*. — The oi-dcr of [\\o day hciiiL;- called, and 
the molioii icnewcd hy Mr. Dayton, seeoiuh>(l b}' Mr. Ross, of Maiy- 
laiid, (o iili the l)lard< witii lh(> words "city of N<mv York, in the State 
of New '\'oik,"a. motion was nia(h> by Mr. Williamson, of North ('aro- 
lina, soeoiuhxl l)y Mr. Seney, of Maryhiiid, to ])()sl|)one the motion, 
in ()i"d(>r to admit a luotion to till th(^ hlaid< witli the word "^ Ijaneastci," 
wliieh motion was h)st; PennsyUania, Dehiwai'e, Maryland, Virginia, 
Noli h ('arolina, and (Jeoi'o'ia votinn- in the ailirmati\ c, and the other 
seven States in th(> neo-jitivo. 

A motion was then made liy Mr. ( arrinn'ton, seeon(le(| by Mr. 
Seiiey, to ])()st|)()ne the motion I'oi' New York, in order to admit "■ Bal- 
timore, in the Stat(> of Maryland," which motion to postpone was 
cai'ried; the sov(^n SoutlaM-n Statics, includino- l*(>nn.sylvania., \otino- in 
the adirmatixe, and the six I^^astei-n Stat(>s in th(> negative. 

'I'h(> motion to till th(> blank with th(\ words "" the town of Balti- 
more, in the State of Maryland,'' was eai'i'ied b^^ the sam<> majority . 

7)/<'s(/((!/^ AiKjiisf ."T, 17SS.- Amotion was mad(\ by Mr. Hamilton, 
of New York, soeonded l)y Mi'. Daiu^, of Massacliiisc^tts, to rcH-onsider 
the (piestion for lillino- (he blank in the I'esoiution with tJie words, 
"the town of Baltimore, in the State of Maryland,'"' which motion was 
lost by the same majority. 

Wddnesddi/, Aiu/i/sf, 6', i7cV<S'. — 'riu>, order of the day bein*^ called for, 
and the act, as am<Mided, for ])uttino- the Constitution into ojjeration 
Inline- read as follows 

Whcrean the coiivi'iilioii uHHciubled in l'liiliul('l])liia, i)urKUiiiit to the resolution of 
(JoiijiresMof the 21 Ht of {''(ibnmry, I7<S7, did, on tlio 17th of ScptciiilK'r in the same 3'e.ar, 
report to tho United Statew, in ('ongroHH asHend)led, aCoiiHtitutioii for the pcopli' of lh(! 
United States, wiicrcupoii Oongross, <iii the L'Stii of (lie sanic! Sepl(unl)er, did resolve 
uiiaiiiniously that tiie said report, witii the resolutions and letter ueeoi)i])aMyia;^' tho 
saiiu^, be tiansniitti'd to the several le^islatun;s, in order to l)e subniittiHl to a conven- 
tion of delej^ates chosen in (^acli State by the people thereof, in coiiforniity lo tho 
resolves of the conNciitiuii made and proxidcd in that case; and w I lereas th(( Con- 
stitution so n'lxirlcd by (he convention, and by (!onf,'ress transiuilti'd to the several 
le^dsiattncs, has l)cen ratified in (he niaiuu^r tluM-i'in declared to be siillicient for the 
establislnncMit of the same, and such rati (legations, duly authenticated, have been 
received by (Joiif^ress, and are iile<l in (he ollicc of the secretary: Thercfoi'c, 

llcudlrcd, That (he (irst We(biesday in .lanuary nl^xt be liiiMlay for appoindiiij; elect- 
ors in (he several States which, before (he said day, shall have ratilied the said Coii- 
slilulion; thai (he (irst Wednesday in February next l)e(lieilay for (he electors to 
assemble in (heir respective States and vote for a rresident, and t hat t he lirst Wechies- 
day in Marcli next be the tim(>, and tlu* town of I'altimore, in (he Static of Mary- 
land, the place for commeucitif^ pi'oceedin^s under (he said ( loustitutiou — 

a motion was madc^ by Mr. Tucker, of South ('arolina, seconded by 
Mr. Lee, of Viroinia, further to amend the act bv strikin«'- out tho 



54 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

words "in the town of Baltimore, in the State of Maiyland," and 
inserting as follow^s: 

And whereas a central situation would be most eligible for the sitting of the Legis- 
lature of the United States, if such could be found in a condition to furnish in due 
time the accommodations necessar}' for facilitating pnl)lic business, and at the same 
time free of weighty olijections which might render it improper or unlikel)' to be 
the seat of government, either permanently or until a permanent seat can be agreed 
on; and whereas the most effectual means of obtaining finally the establishment of 
the Federal Government in a convenient central situation is to leave the snbjec-t to 
the deliberate consideration of the future Congress, uninfluenced by undue attach- 
ment to any of the jilaces which may stand in comiaetition for preference on so inter- 
esting a question, and unembarrassed by want of ^tirne and means to fix on and 
prepare the most proper place for this purpose; and whereas the removal of the 
public offices must be attended with much expense, danger, and inconvenience, 
which ought not to be incurred but with a well-founded expectation of advantages 
that may fully counterbalance the same; and whereas no such advantages can be 
expected from a removal to any jilace now in a condition to receive the Federal 
Legislature; and wliereas, in addition to tlie l)ef ore-mentioned reasons, unnecessary 
changes of the seat of government would be indicative of instability in the national 
councils, and therefore highly injurious to the interests as well as derogatory to the 
dignity of the [Tnited States: Therefore, 

Eesolred, That the city of New York, in the State of New York, be the place for 
commencing j^roceedings under the said Constitution. 

A motion was then made by Mr. Williamson, of North Carolina, 
seconded by Mr. Read, to postpone the motion before the House in 
order to take up the following: 

Whereas it is proper that the seat of the new Congress and of the National Govern- 
ment should be placed as near the center of the Union as may consist with present 
accommodation, in order that its influence and benefits may be equally felt In' the 
great body of citizens throughout the United States, that members of Congress and 
other persons may approach it with equal convenience from opposite extremes, and 
that no species of jiartial favor may seem to have been extended to one extreme 
rather than to the other; and whereas the present residence of Congress is far removed 
from the center of the Union, whether population or distance are considered, since 
the new Congress is to consist of 8 Senators from States to the eastward of New Y'ork, 
and 16 from States to the southward, and since there are to be only 17 members 
in the House of Representatives from the Eastern States, though there are to be 
42 members from Southern States, and since the distance to the seat of government 
in the extreme Eastern State is hardly equal to one-third of the distance to the seat 
of government in the most southerly State; and whereas it is to be desired that the 
new Congress may be convened in the same spirit of mutual accommodation which 
has hitherto appeared in all deliberations respecting the new Government, and that 
I)roceedings imder the said Government may commence under the impressions of 
mutual confidence without that general irritation and loss of time which must attend 
the removal from an improper situation, and without those painful apjjrehensions 
which will naturally arise from a measure that may seem to have originated in an 
undue regard to local considerations: Therefore, 

Resolved, That the seat of the new Congress ought to be in some place to the south- 
ward of New York. 

This motion of Mr. Williamson to postpone, for the purpose afore- 
said, was decided in the negative, the six Eastern States and South 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 55 

Carolina voting against it and the other six Southern States in its 
favor. 

A motion was then made by Mr. Carrington, seconded by Mr. Bing- 
ham, of Pbnnsylv^ania, to amend the amendment by striking out the 
words "New York, in the State of New fork," and in lieu thereof 
inserting "Philadelphia;" which motion was lost, the same States 
voting in the negative and Georgia being divided. 

A division of Mr. Tucker's resolution was then called for, and on 
the question to agree to the resolving clause it was decided in the 
affirmative. 

The question to agree to the preamble was also agreed to by the 
same vote. 

Ttiesday, September 3, 1788. — A motion was made 1)y Mr. Clark, of 
New Jersey, seconded l)v Mr. Sedgwick, of Massachusetts, in the 
words following, viz: 

Whereas the convention, assembled in Pliiladelphia, pursuant to the resolution of 
Congress of the 21st of Fel)ruary, 1787, did, on the 17th day of Septeiul)er in the 
same year, report to the United States in Congress assembled, a constitution or form 
of government for the people of the United States; whereupon Congress, on the 28th 
day of the same September, did resolve unanimously that the said report, with the 
resolutions and letter accompanying the same, he transmitted to the several legisla- 
tures, in order to be submitted to a convention of delegates chosen in each State by 
the people thereof, in conformity to the resolves of the convention made and pro- 
vided in that case; and whereas the Constitution so reported by the convention, and 
by Congress transmitted to the several legislatures, has been ratified in the manner 
therein declared to l)e sufficient for the estal)lishment of the same, and such ratifica- 
tions, duly authenticated, have been received by Congress and are filed in the office 
of the Secretary thereof: Therefore, 

Resohed, That the first Wednesday in January next l)e the day for appointing 
electors in the several States which before the said day shall have ratified the said 
Constitution; that the first Wednesday in February next be the day for the electors to 
assemble in their respective States to vote for a President; and that the first Wednes^ 
day in March next be the time, and the seat of the Federal Government at that time 
the place for commencing proceedings under the said Constitution. 

This motion was lost, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and 
South Carolina voting in the affirmative; Penns3dvania, .Delaware, 
Maryland, and Virginia in the negative; Connecticut and Georgia 
being divided, and New Hampshire not represented. 

The same motion, with the exception of the clause respecting the 
place, was renewed by Mr. Edwards, of Connecticut, seconded by Mr. 
Sedgwick, of Massachusetts. A motion was then made Iw Mr. Irwine, 
of Pennsylvania, seconded by Mr. Bingham, of Pennsylvania, to 
amend the motion before the House bj' inserting after the word "time" 
the words "and that Lancaster be the place." 

Mr. Irwine's motion was lost, Penns3dvania, Delaware, Maryland, 
and Virginia, voting in the affirmative; Massachusetts, New York, 
New Jersey, and South Carolina in the negative; Connecticut and 



56 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

Georgia divided; New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and North 'Carolina 
not represented. 

Wednesday, Sejytemher S, 1788. — A motion was made by Mr. Sen. y, 
seconded l\v Mr. Ross, of Maryland, to amend the motion of Mr. 
P>1 wards by inserting- after the word *'time'' the words "and that the 
city of Annapolis, in the State of Maryland, l)e the place." This 
question was also lost, Pennsylvani and Maryland only voting in the 
affirmative. 

Tlnirxday, Sej>temher Jf., 1788. — The motion made ])v Mr. Edwards, 
seconded l)y Mr. Sedgwick, being again moved and read, a motion 
was made by Mr. Tucker, seconded by Mr. linger, that the same be 
postponed in order to take up the following, viz: 

Whereas after loiii; (lelil)eration on the subject of tlie new Constitution, so far as 
the agency of Congress is required to give it effect, there appears to l>e a diversity of 
sentiment with resx>eet to the place for commencing proceedings under the said f 'on- 
stitution, which may prevent a speedy and definite decision thereon; and 

Whereas a further delay of the other essential pai-ts of this ]>usiness migiit be 
productive of much national inconvenience: Therefore, 

Jie^dlrfd, Tliat the first Wednesday in January next, etc. (as in the former reso- 
lution), and that the first Wednesday in March next be the time for connnencing pro- 
ceedings under the sai<l Cijnstitution, at such place as Congress shall hereafter appoint, 
or, failing such appointment, at the i)lace which shall, immediately befoi-e the last- 
mentioned day, be the seat of Congress. 

This question was also lost. New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Con- 
necticut, New York, New Jersey, and South Carolina voting in the 
affirmative. 

The question was then taken on the motion of Mr. Edwards, of the 
2d of September, and lost, 

Friday, Sieptemher 1'2, 1788. — A motion being made by Mr. Lee, 
seconded b}^ Mr. Oilman, of New Hampshire, in the words following: 

Whereas longer delay in executing the previous arrangements necessary to put into 
operation the Federal Government may produce national injury, 

Reso/red, That the first Wednesday in Januaiy next, etc. (as in the former motions) , 
and the present seat of Congress be the p'.ace for commencing proceedings under the 
said Constitution. 

A motion was made by Mr. Carrington, seconded by Mr. Madison, 
of Virginia, to amend the proposition by striking out the words "and 
the present seat of Congress be the place," and by adding: 

And whereas it is of great importance that a government, founded on the i)rinci- 
ples of conciliation and impartial regard to the interests and accommodation of the 
several parts of the Union, sTiould commence in a spirit corresponding with these 
principles, and under every circumstance calculated to prevent jealousies in one part 
of the Union of undue bias in the public councils or measures towards another part; 
and it is conceived that these desirable purposes will be much favored by the 
appointment of some place for the meeting of the new government more central than 
the present seat of Congress, and which will at tlie same time be more likely to 
obviate disagreeable and injurious discussions concerning the place most fit for the 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OB^ COLUMBIA. 57 

seat of Federal businesf^, until a permanent seat be established as provided for l)y tlie 
new Constitution — 

Resolred, That be the place for commencing proceedings under the new 

Constitution. 

This motion of Mr. Carrington was lost, Pennsylvania, I'elaware, 
and Virginia only voting- in its favor. 

A motion was then made by Mr. Kearney, of Delaware, seconded 
by Mr. Mitchcl, of Delaware, to strike out the words "and the pres- 
ent seat of Congress the place," and on the question, " Shall those 
words stand? " it was resolved in the affirmative, Delaware alone voting 
in the negative, and all the States excepting Rhode Island, Maryland, 
and North Carolina being present. 

When the question was about to be })ut upon the resolution of Mr, 
Lee, the determination thereof was postponed till the next day, when 
the resolution passed unanimously, nine States voting in the affirma- 
tive. The al)sent States were Rhode Island, Delaware, Mar3'land, and 
North Carolina. 

So it was resolved in the affirmative, as follows: 

Whereas the Convention assembled in Philadelphia, pursuant to the resolution of 
Congress of the 21st of February, 1787, did, on the 17th of Sejitember of the same 
year, report, etc. (see the whole preamble stated in Mr. Clarke's motion of the 2d 
of September, 1788) : Therefore, 

Resolved, That the first Wednesday in January next be the day for appointing 
electors in the several States which before the said day shall have ratified the said 
Constitution; that the first Wednesday in February next be the daj^ for the electors 
to assemble in their respective States and vote for a President, and that the first 
Wednesday of March next be the time and the present seat of Congress the place 
for commencing the proceedings under the said Constitution. 

Thus ended the deliberations of the old Congress respecting tlie seat 
of the Federal Government. 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONGRESS PROVIDED FOR BY THE CONSTITUTION. 

It is now a matter of histor}^ that the proceedings under the Consti- 
tution commenced at New York on Wednesday, the 4th of March, 
1789, until which time a few of the members of the old Congress 
attended in their places and held their seats. The last act of the old 
Congress was passed on the Idth of October, 1788. 

On the 7th of April, 1789, New York appropriated its public build- 
ings to the use of the new Congress. 

Friday^ May lo^ 1789. — Mr. White, one of the Representatives 
from Virginia, presented to the House a resolve of the legislature of 
that State, of the 27th of December, 1788, offering to the acceptance 
of the Federal Government 10 miles square of territor}^, or any less 
quantity, in any part of that State which Congress may choose, to be 
occupied and possessed by the United States as the seat of the Federal 
Government. 

Read and ordered to lie on the table. 



58 GOVERKMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

Saturday^ Jla;/ IG, 17SD. — ^Ir. Seuey, one of the Representatives of 
Marj'land, presented to the House an act of the legishiture of that 
State offering to the acceptance of Congress Id miles .square of ter- 
ritor}^, in an}- part of the said State, for the seat of the Federal 
Government. 

Read and ordered to lie on the table. 

SatmHlay^ Augrtiit '22^ 1789. — The several memorials of the inhab- 
itants of Trenton, in the State of New Jersey, and of the1)oroughs of 
Lancaster and York Town, in the State of Pennsylvania, were pre- 
sented to the House and Senate and read, respectively praj^ing that 
the permanent seat of (yongi-ess may be established at the same. 

Ordered to lie on the table. 

T/iursdai/, Augvst 27, 1789. — Mr. Thomas Scott, of Pennsylvania, 
agreeably to notice, moved the following resolution: 

That a pernianeut residence ought to be fixed for the (xeneral (xovernment of the 
United States at nonie convenient place as near the center of weaUh, population, and 
extent of territory as may be consistent with convenience to the navigation of the 
Atlantic Ocean, and having due regard to the particular situation of the western 
country. 

Made the order for Thursday, the 3d of September. 

Mr. Scott observed that the principle of union in which we are 
bound is the principle of tHjual and reciprocal justice. The question 
now before the House is a grand link in the chain of the Federal sys- 
tem. The peace of the l-nited States depends as much on this as on 
an}^ other question which can come before Congress. No man in the 
western countrv evei* wished anything further than that when the 
central line between the northern and the southern extremities was 
fixed. Congress should establish their seat as far back on this line as the 
convenience of maritime commerce would allow. 

j\Ir, Ijivermore said that the idea of a permanent seat is not itself 
strictly true. As population increases, and as men of new principles 
and views take their seats in Congress, this permanent seat may be 
altered at pleasure. It is certainh" wise in Congress to be economical; 
it is always found a very expensive thing to remove, etc. 

Mr. Jackson, of Georgia, said the existence of the Union depends on 
this subject, etc. 

Mr. Michael Jenifer Stone, of Maryland, ol)served that this will be 
a very important business. No question will so fully try the temper 
of this l)ody as the present. 

Mr. Ames, of Massachusetts, said: 

I believe it will involve as many passions as can reside in the hiiman heart. Every 
principle of local interest, of pride and honor, and of even patriotism itself, are 
engaged. 

Thursday, SeptemherS, 1789. — In Committee of the Whole, upon Mr. 
Scott's resolution, Mr. Goodhue, of Massachusetts, iu debate, said 



GOVEENMENT OF THE DISTEICT OF COLUMBIA. 59 

that "the Eastern and Northern members had made up their minds on 
the subject, and were of opinion that on the eastern banks of the 
Susquehanna Congress should fix its permanent residence, and that 
until the particular spot should be determined upon and the proper 
buildings erected the seat of the General Government should be at 
the city of New York." He then introduced a resolution to that effect. 
A crowded hall and galleries testified the public solicitude. Several 
amendments were proposed and neg-atived, but one moved ])y Mr. 
R. B. Lee, of Virginia, for substituting "Potomac" for "Susque- 
hanna" prolonged the debate until nearly 4 o'clock, when the committee 
rose without taking the question, and had leave to sit again. 

Friday^ Sejdemhe?' ^, 178D. — The resolution offered by Mr. Goodhue 
on the 3d was in these words: 

Resolved, As the opinion of tlie committee, tlaat the permanent seat of the Gov- 
ernment of the United States onglit to be at some convenient place on the east bank 
of tlie Susquehanna, in the State of Pennsylvania; and that until the necessary 
buildings be erected for the purpose the seat of the Government ought to be at New 
York. 

Mr. Lee's amendment and several others were rejected, and Mr, 
Goodhue's was carried. 

Mr. Fitzsimons, of Pennsylvania, on Septembier 5, 1789, then pro- 
posed the following: 

Resolved, As the opinion of this committee, that the President of the United States 

be authorized to appoint commissioners, to examine and report to him, the 

most eligible situation on the east bank of the Susquehanna, for the permanent seat 
of the (jovernment of the United States. That the said commissioners be authorized, 
by and with the advice of the President, to purchase such quantity of land as may 

be thought necessary, and to erect thereon within years suitable buildings for 

the accommodation of Congress and of the officers of the United States. That the 
Secretary of the Treasury, together with the commissioners so to be appointed, be 

authorized to borrow a sum not exceeding dollars, to be paid in years 

with interest, at the rate of per cent per annum, payable out of the duties on 

imports and tonnage, to be applied to the purchase of the land and the erection of 
the buildings aforesaid. And that a bill ought to pass, in the present session, in 
conformity with the foregoing resolutions. 

Before any decision of the question the committee rose and had 
leave to sit again. 

One of the amendments proposed and rejected on the 33. was offered 
by Mr. Lee in these words: 

Whereas the people of the United States have assented to and ratified a constitu- 
tion for their Government, to provide for their defense against foreign danger, to 
secure their perpetual union and domestic tranquillity, and to promote their common 
interest, and all these great objects will be best effected by establishing the seat of 
government in a station as nearly central as a convenient water communication with 
the Atlantic Ocean, and an easy access to the western territory will permit; and as it 
will be satisfactory to the people of the United States, and give them a firm confi- 
dence in the justice and wisdom of their Government to be assured that such a sta- 
tion is already in the contemplation of Congress, and that proper measures will be 



60 GOVERNMENT OF THE DTSTKICT OF COLUMBIA. 

taken to ascertain it, and to provide the necessary accommodations, as soon as the 
indispensalilc ari-an<j;ements tor carrying into effect the Constitntion can be made, 
and the circumstances of the United States will jjermit; 

Resolved, That a place as nearly central as a convenient water communication with 
the Atlantic Ocean, and an easy access to the western territory will iiei-mit, ought to 
be selected and established as the permanent seat of the Government of the Fnited 
States. 

S(iti(i'(l(iy, Sej)t())}7>cr 5, 1789. — The coiniuittoo of the whole reported 
Mr. Scott's, Mr. CJoodhue's, and Mr. Fitzsimons's resolutions, tillinj^ 
the blank in the latter with $100, OOO, to be repaid in twenty years, at 
5 per cent int(M'est. The House took up the report, and agreed to 
Mr. Scott's resolution, as follows: 

Resolved, That Die i)ermanent seat of the (iovernment of the United States ought 
to be fixed at some convenient place as near the center of wealth, i)opulation, and 
extent of territory, as may be consistent with convenience to the navigation of the 
Atlantic Ocean, and having due regard to the situation of the western covmtry. 

* 

On Sep\(>niber 7, 1789, Mr. Lee moved to amend Mr. Goodhue's res- 
olution b}' substitutino- the ''north hank of the river Potomac in the 
State of ]\laryland,"' for "the east bank of the river Susquehanna in 
the State of Pennsylvania;'" whicli amendment was rejected; ayes, 21; 
noes, 29; two mend)ers from Maryland, viz, Mr. Seney and ]\[r. Win. 
Smith, voting- in the neo-ative. 

A motion was then made by Mr. Vinino-, of Delaware, to amend the 
resolution of Mi-, (Joodhue by striking- out the word ''permanent," 
and also, after the words, "ought to be at," to strike out to the end 
of the resolution, and to insert in licni thereof, "the borouo-h of Wil- 
mington in the State of Dclawar(\'" Tliis motion was negatived; ayes, 
19; noes, 32. 

A motion was then made by Mr. Boudinot. of New Jersey, to strike 
out ''east bank of the river Susquehanna in the State of Pennsylva- 
nia," and insert "I'otomac, Susquehanna, or Delaware." This motion 
was lost; ayes, 23; noes, 28. 

A motion w-as then made ))y ]Mr. Boudinot to strike out *'east ])ank 
of the river Sus(|uehanna," etc., and insert "banks of either side of 
the Delawar(\ not more than eight miles abov(^ or Ixdow the lower 
falls of nelawai-(\'"' Rejected; ayes-1; noes, -Id. 

Mr. Boudinot then moved to strike out "cast banks," and insert 
"banks." Carried; ayes, 20; noes, 25. 

Mr. Lee then moved to insert " or Maryland" after the words " Sus- 
quehanna in the State of Pennsylvania." Rejected; ayes, 25; noes, 2t). 

Mr. Yining then moved to substitute Wilmington in Delaware for 
New York, as the temporary r(^sidonce of Congress. Rejected; ayes, 
21 ; noes, 30. 

Mr. Parker, of Virginia, then moved to insert Philadeli)hia in })lace 
of New York. Rejected; aves, 22; noes, 29. 



GOVEKNMENT <»K THE DISTRICT OK COLUMBIA. 61 

The resolution ot" Mr. Goodhue was then passed, as i'ollows: 

l-icxulced, That the perniauent seat of the Government of the United States ought 
to be at some convenient place on the banks of the river Susquehanna, in the State 
of Pennsylvania, and that until the necessary buildings be erected for tlie purpose 
the seat of Govcrmnent out^dit to continue in the city of New York. 

Mr. Fitzsinioiis's resohition heing under debate, a motion was made 

by Mr. Gale, of Maryland, to add, after the Avord '' aforesaid,'' the 

following: 

Prondcd, ncrertluies.s, That i)revious to any such purchase or erecliouof buildings 
as aforesaid, the legislatures of the States of Pennsylvania and Maryland make such 
provision for removing all obstructions to the navigation of the said river, between 
tlie seat of tlic FiMlcral (loviM-nmcnt and tlie mouth thereof, as may 1k' satisfactory 
to the I'rcsident of the ruittnl States. 

This aniendnicnt was rejected; a^'cs, 24; noes, 25. 

The resolution of Mr. Fitzsinions was then passed; ayes, 28; noes, 
21; the blank for the time of erecting- the buildings being tilled with 
"four years;'' and it was ordered that a bill, or l)ills, be brought in 
puj'suant to those resolutions. The committee to prepare them con- 
sisted of Mr. Ames, Mi-. Lavyrence, and Mr. Clymer. 

Tueaday^ Septemher 6\ 17SD. — A petition was pi'csented of sundry 
inhabitants of Georgetown, in the State of Maryland, containing an 
otler to put themselves and fortunes under the exclusive jurisdiction 
of Congress, in case that town should be selected as the permanent 
seat of the GovcM-nment of the United States. 

Ordered to lie on the ta])le. 

Monday^ Septemher llf.^ 1789. — Mr. Ames, from the committee 
appointed, presented, according to order, a bill to establish the seat of 
the Government of the United States, which was received and read 
the first time. 

In the course of the debate (September 3), Mr. Lawrence having 

alluded to an observation of Mr. Madison (in a former debate) — 

that could the moderate and ecpial policy of that day's proceedings have been fore- 
seen in the convention of Virginia, it would have obviated many objections that 
were tlicre produced against tlie Constitution. 

Mr. Madison replied: 

I admit that on a former occasion I applied the remark quoted by the gentleman 
from New York; but I now as verily believe tliat had a propliet started ui"> in that 
convention and foretold the proceedings of this day, Virginia would not now l)e a 
party to this Constitution. 

Mr. Burke said that a league was formed between the Northern 
States and Pennsylvania. This was denied by Mr. Fitzsinions. 

Mr. Scott, of Pennsylvania, ol>served that the (Question seemed to 
lie between the Susquehanna and the Potomac. He gave a geograph- 
ical description of those rivers, in relation to their advantages of com- 
munication with (he western territory; he considered Pittsburg as the 



62 GOVERNMENT OP THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

key of that territory. The result of his detail was clearly in favor of 
the Potomac. That there is no comparison between the advantaoes of 
one communication and the other, with respect to the Ohio countr}'. 
The Potomac will, no doubt, one day be a ver}- important channel into 
those re^'ions. That thouo'h he thought that the Potomac was nearer 
the center of communication between the Atlantic and the Ohio than 
the Susquehanna, as there was no prospect of a decisionjn favor of the 
former he should give his vote for the Susquehanna. In this situation, 
as he was a native of Pennsj'lvania, there was a certain duty v/hich he 
owed to his country, and which he shoidd now perform. 

Mr. Madison, in debate (on the -ith of September), ol)served — 

if there be any event on which we may calculate with tolerable certainty, I take it 
the center of population will continually advance in a southwestern direction. It 
must then travel from the Susquehanna, if it is now fomid there. It may go beyond 
the Potomac; but the time will l)e long first; and, if it should, the Potomac is the 
great highway of communication lietween tlie Atlantic and the Western country, 
which will justly prevent any atteiniits to remove the seat farther south. I have 
said, sir, that the communication to the Western territory is more commodious 
through the Potomac than the Susquehanna. I wish all the facts connected with 
this sul)ject could liave been more fully ascertained and more fully statc^d. But if 
we consider the facts which have been offered by gentlemen who spoke, Ave nmst 
conclude that the communication through the Potomac would be much more facile 
and effectual tlian any other. 

Mr. Madison stated the prol^ablc distance l»v land from the seat of 
Government, if fixed on the Potomac, to Pittsburg-, at ITo or ISO miles; 
if by the river, 250 mil(\s; and from the seat of Government, if fixed 
on the Susquehanna, by land, 250; l)y the river, 500, 

Whether, therefore [he said], we measure the distance by land or water, it is in 
favor of the Potomac; and if we consider the progress in o]>ening this great channel, I 
am confident that consideration would be equally favorable. It has been determined, 
by accurate research, that the waters running into the Dhio may be found not more 
than 2 or 'A miles distant from tliose of the Potomac. This is a fact of iieculiar 
importance. 

Tue-sday, Septemher 15^ 17 89. — The l)ill tQ establish the seat of the 
Government of the United States was read the second time and com- 
mitted to a Committee of the Whole House, on Thursday next. 

T]iurf<day, K^eptemher 17^ 1789. — In Committee of the Whole upon 
the bill, 

Mr. Vining moved to strike out the first paragraph, and to insert 

one to the following efl'ect: 

That a district of ten miles square, comprehending the l)orough of Wilmington, in 
the State of Delaware, to l)e located as hereafter directed, should l)e selected as the 
seat of Government of the United States until a more eligible place should be fixed 
upon for the permanent seat; and that measures should be taken to accommodate 
Congress with that district as soon as conveniently might be: Provided, That no ces- 
sion be accepted till acts should be passed by the States of Maryland and Pennsyl- 
vania to open a water communication between the bays of Chesapeake and Delaware. 

This motion was negatived; ayes, 28; noes, 28. 



GOVEKNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 63 

Mr. Gale then moved to amend the first clause of the bill ))y annex- 
ing the following' proviso: 

That no district be accepted as aforesaid until the President of the United States 
shall ])e satisfied of the practicability of effecting a navigation from the seat of Gov- 
ernment to the mouth of said river; and that this law shall not be carried into effect 
until the States of Pennsylvania and Maryland shall pass acts (n)t including any 
expense to the said States) itroviding for removing the obstructions of the same. 

A division of the motion was called for at the word "river;" and 
the (juestion on the first part was negatived; ayes, 25; noes, 29. 

The question on the second part was then put, and the committee 
was equally divided; ayes, 27; noes, 27. The chairman gave the cast- 
ing vote in the afHrmative. 

The committee then rose and reported, and the House took up the 
report. 

The amendment adopted by the committee, on the motion of Mr. 
Gale, was agreed to; ayes, 28; noes, 26. 

Mr. Gale then moved to insert, after the words "Susquehanna, in 
the State of Pennsjdvania," the words "or Maryland." 

This motion was negatived by the casting vote of the Speaker. 

The bill was then laid on the table. 

llonday, AScpfemJjer 21, 1789. — The House proceeded to consider the 
l)ill to establish the seat of the Government of the United States, which 
hi}" on the table with amendments reported by the Committee of the 
Whole House. 

Mr. Madison moved to strike out that part of the bill which pro- 
vided that New York should be the temporary residence, as being con- 
trary to the Constitution, w^hich gives the power to the two Houses to 
adjourn without the consent of the President, and before they could 
adjourn to an}' place but New York this bill, if it passes, must be 
repealed, which can not be done without his consent. 

Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Ames replied that the same ol)jection would 
apply to the fixing of the permanent residence. 

Mr. Madison's motion to strike out was negatived without a division. 

Mr. Madison then moved to strike out the word " permanent," as it 
was unnccessar}' and not a term used in the Constitution. 

This motion was also negatived without a division. 

The bill with amendments was then ordered to be engrossed for a 
third reading on the next day, when it was passed — ayes, 31; noes, 16, 
viz: 

Ayes: Ames, Baldwin, Benson, Cljaiier, Contee, Fitzsimons, Floyd, 
Foster, Gale, Gilman, Goodhue, Grout, Hartle}^, Hathorn, Jackson, 
Lawrence, Leonard, Livermore, Muhlenburg, Patridge, Van Rensse- 
laer, Scott, Sene}', Sherman, Sylvester, AVilliam Smith (of Maiyland), 
Stone, Thatcher, Trumbull, Wadsworth, and Wynkoop — 31. 

Noes: Bland, Boudiuot, Burke, Cadwalader, Coles, Lee, Madison, 



<)4 (U)VEKNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

iNIathew.s, JVIoorc, rtirker, Shuremaii, William Siiiith (of South Caro- 
lina), Sumpter, Tucker, Yiiiing-, and White — 1»). 

Satxrdioj. Svpfouhcr i36, 1780. — The l)ill way returned from the Sen- 
ate with an amendment .striking- out all that part respecting- the Susque- 
hanna, and inserting- a clause fixing- the permanent seat of g-overnment 
at Germantown, in the State of Pennsylvania. 

A district of Lo miles .s(iuare, bounded on the south by a line run- 
ning parallel at I miU'"s distance from the city of Philadelphia on the 
east side of the river of Delaware and extending northwardly and west- 
erly so as to include Gei'mantown. 

A motion to postpone the consideration of tliis ;unendmeiit to tlie 
next session was lost — 2i» to 25. 

2L)inl(fu, S('2>tc)iihc)' 28, 1780. — Mr. Madison moved to amend the 
Senate's amendment l)v adding a proviso tliat nothing therein contained 
should be construed to ail'ect the operation of the huvs of Pennsyl- 
vania, within the said district of id miles square, until Congress shall 
otherwise pi"o\ itle ]>y law. 

This was agreed to without a division. 

Mr. Madison moved to strike out of the Senate's amendment those 
words which comprehend within the district such parts of the Northern 
Liberties of Philadelphia as are not excepted in the Pennsylvania act of 
cession. 

This motion was negatived without a division. 

Mr. Lee moved to strike out the chiuse providing for the temj)orar\- 
residence in New York. 

This was also negatived without a division. 

Mr. Boudinot moved to amend tlie amendment of the Senate by 
annexing to it a chuise providing that the scat of government might be 
anywhere on the Delaware, within the States of New Jersey, Pennsyl- 
vania, or either of them, al)ove Philadelphia and below HowelFs 
Ferry. 

This was also neg-atived without a di^•ision. 

The main (lucstion, that the House agree to the amcmdment of the 
Senate, ^vith the foregoing amendment, was then carried — ayes, 31; 
noes, 24. 

The ])ill was then returned to the Senate, which postponed the con- 
sideration of the amendment until the next session. 

/// the Senate — Saturd((y., Aagud ;i;?, 1780. — The memorial of flohn 
Cox and others, citizens of the State of New Jersey and of the State 
of Pennsylvania, praying that the future scat of government might be 
estaldished on the banks of the Delaware, and proposing a cession of 
a tract of land of 10 miles scpiare, was read, and. together with a draft 
of the said tract, was laid on the ta])le. 

Tuesday, August S5, 1780. — Mr. Maclay presented a draft of 10 
miles square, including the borough of Lancaster, with a letter con- 
taining a description of the same, from Edward Hand. Mr. Maclay 



GOVEENMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 65 

also nominatGcl Wright's Ferry, on the Susquehuiuui; I'orktown, west 
of the Susquehiinna; Carlisle, west of the Susquehanna; Harrisburg, 
on the Susquehanna; Reading, on the Schuj'lkill, and Germantown, in 
the neighborhood of Philadelphia, as different places in Penns3dvania 
which had been proposed for the permanent seat of government of the 
Ignited States. 

Monday, September 21, 17 89. — Mr. Morris, on behalf of the Senators 
from the State of Pennsylvania, introduced a resolve of the general 
assembly of that State, of March 5, 1789, making a respectfid offer to 
Congress of the use of any or all of the public buildings in Philadel- 
phia, the property of the State, etc., in case Congress should at any 
time incline to make choice of that cit}^ for the temporary residence 
of the Federal Government. 

Thursday, September ^^, 1789. — On the second reading of the bill 
to establish the seat of government of the United States, a motion to 
strike out the works ""in the State of Pennsylvania" was negatived — 
10 to 8. 

On motion, the words "at some convenient phice on the Ixmks of 
the river Susquehanna, in the State of Pennsylvania," were stricken 
out — 11 to 7. 

A motion to insert in their place the words ''at some convenient 
phice on the northern liank of the river Potomac" was lost. A motion 
to till the blank with these words — 

in the counties of Philadelphia, Chester, and Bucks, and State of Pennsylvania, 
including within it the town of Germantown and such parts of the Northern Liber- 
ties of the city of Philadelphia as are not excepted by the act of cession passed by 
the legislature of the said State, 

was carried by the casting vote of the Vice-President, 18 Senators 
being present. 

Friday, Sejytember 25, 1789. — A motion to strike out the words — 

and that until the necessary buildings should be erected therein, the seat of govern- 
ment shall continue at the city of New York — 

was lost — 11 to 7. 

The second section of the ])ill was then amended, so as to read as 
follows: 

And be it further enacted, That the President of the United States be authorized to 
appoint three commissioners, who are, under his direction, to locate a district, not 
exceeding 10 miles square, in the said counties, and including therein the said 
Northern Liberties and town of Germantown, and to purchase such quantity of land 
within the same as may be necessary, and to accept grants of land for the use of the 
LTnited States, and to erect thereon, within four years, suitable l)uildings for the 
accommodation of the Congress and of the officers of the United States. 

The bill was further amended b}' striking out the last two sections, 
and inserting the following: 

Provided, That no powers herein vested in the President of the United States shall 
be carried into effect until the State of Pennsylvania, or individual citizens of the 

14248—03 5 



66 aOVKKWMENT OF 1']IK DISTKICT OF COLUMBIA. 

yuuie, i^liall fi:ivc satisfactory secnrrty tn tlie SccTctarv of tlu> Treasury to furnisli and 
pay, as tin- sanu' may he necessary, one Inuidred (lioasand dollars, to ])e eni])loyed 
in erecting the said huildings. 

Saturday, September ^6\ J7S'f).—Tho. bill was read i\w third time, 
passed, and sent to the House of Represeiilati\-es. 

Yeas, Messrs. Basset, of Dcdaware; I)aitoii, of Mjissachusetts; KUs- 
wortli, of C-()iiii(>ctieiit; flohiison, of ('onnecticiit ; Iviiio", of New '^'oi'k; 
Mori'is, of Pennsylvania; Paterson. of New Jersey; JJcad. of Dela- 
ware; Sehuylov, of New York; and W'inoaie, of JSiew liaiu|)siiir(v 10. 

Noes. Messrs. Butler, of South C'ai'olina; ('ari-oll, of Mai-y land; (Jray- 
son, of Viroinia; (Junn, of (Jeoi'oia; Henry, of Maryland; Izard, of 
South C^arolina; and Lee, of Vii"<>-inia 7. 

A/o/ii/at/, S<'j>t('iiit><r '.'S^ I7S!). -The hill was returned hy the House 
of Representatives, with an anirndnient to the Senate's amendment, 
the consideration of Avliieh was p<)sti)oned to the next session, as hefore 
staled. 

I n IIk IJoitHc of Ttepreseiylali r<x-M(>n(l(iii, Mai/ -11, I /'!>(>. A motion 
to consider the followino- resolution, propositi l)y Mr. Filzsimons, on 
the i>Tth, viz: 

Jicsolntl, 'I'lial ( 'ontiTcss sliall meet and liold llieir next si'ssidti at 

was carried, oH to 'JT, Mr. 'rhalcher, of Miissachusetts, who objected 
to tlu! motion, remarkino- '"that Ik* did not thiid< it of two ])a|)(M- dol- 
lars' c()nse(|uenc(* to the United Stales wh(dh(M- ( \)ii!L;-ress met at N(nv 
\'oi'k, Philadelphia, or on the Potomac."' 

A motion by Mr. lioudinot, to anu'iid the same. l)y insertino-, after 
the word "/v.sWvvy/,'' the words— 

that a permanent seat fur tlie ( ><i\ crnment e>f the I'niteil Statt's shall he lixed at 
sonic convenient |)lace on the haidcs of the Delaware, and — 

was decided l)y the S]:»eaker not to be in order. Upon appeal, tho 
House wase(|ually dixided upon the ((uestion of ordei-, and the Speaker 
decided thtit the motion was not in order. 

A motion l»y Mr. Lawi'ence to commit the orioinal motion to a (\)m- 
mittcH* of (he Whole Housi* w;is neoatived. 

Mr. Smith, of Mai'vland, ])ro])os(Hl to lill (he blaidv with "Balti- 
more,"''' whose iidiabitants had raised a subscrii)(ion of be(ween twenty 
and (hir(y thousand pounds to erect sui(able buildinos. 

Mr. Sherman ])ro[)()sed '• ^\'ilmino■t()ll,''■' 

A motion to insert '""New '^'ork'" was lost — Hf) (o 25. 

Mr Gerry obseix (>d (ha( i( is impor(;int to determine (he ((uestion 
resp(*ctin_o" (he tem])orary and permtment residence of Con^^ress, for 
while (he (juesdon remains doub(ful it will always be insimiatino- itself 
in all ofcat national questions. 

Mr. Carroll moved to inseit " Phila(lel})hia." 

Mr. Senin' moved to :idd ''or Baltimore.'" Mr. Seney's motion was 
lost— 38 to 22. 



aoVJOKNMKT^T OK 'I'lIK DISTJiK T OK (JOJ.IJM J'.l A. 67 

Mr. CiiiToirs niotioM prcviiilcd -''>H to 2i4. 

Ayow — McsHi's. A.sho, Biildwin, lioiidinol, IJrown, (yiidvvaladcr, Car- 
roll, Clynier, Coles, Cont('<>, Filzsiinons, (Jalc, Ciliiiiui, Coodhiui, CJi-if- 
fiii, Iljirtlcy, Hoistci', Juckson, Lee, Lcoiiiird, Madison, Matli(!vvs, 
Moore, Midil(Mif)Ui'o-, Pa^'o, I'ai'kcr, Scott, Soncy, Siimicksoii, Smith 
of Mai-ylaiid, Stc(d(>, StoM(', Suinptcr, Thutchor, Vinino-, White, Wil- 
liamson, Wytdvoop — 38. 

Noes — Amos, l-Jonson, Hloodworth, linikc, i^'loyd, Foster, (Jcn-y, 
Groiil, llath(trM. lluj^or, 1 1 iintin<^ton, Lavvivncc, I ii\ ci nioic. Van 
Rensselaci', Schiircman, Scdj»'wick, Slicnnan. Silvester, Sniil h of South 
Carolina, Stiu'iy^es, 'i'riiinhulk and 'I'liekcjr — '•Ji'-A. 

The resolution was (hen sent t(; t\\v. Senate for tlx'ir eonciirrence. 

/u tim IScnate (on the naiae J hi of jMaij, ll'UO). M r. P,u ( le r, o f Sou ( h 
Cai'olina, by leave, presented a bill to deteiinine 

the permanent Heat of CongrewH and IIk; < iovi'mincnl. u)' IIh^ rinitcil StatoH — 

which was read th<! iii'st tiine. 

T'liesdai/^ Jitve 1^ 1700.- — The hill was read the second time and 
debated. The resolution of the llr>use of the 81st of May was i-(!ceiv(!d 
and its consideration postpoiunl to the next day. 

WiidncMlay ^ June '2, 1700. — The ))ill and resolution were coirnnitted 
to Messrs. Butler, rJohnston, lleniy, Lee, and Daltoii. 

Monddjj, Jiinr 7, 1701). — Mr. Hutlei', from the committtie, made 
I'eport on the hill i-espcctin^- the permanent j'(!sidence, the cf>nsidera- 
tion of which reports was postponed to the next day. 

Tuei^diuj., Jan,eH, 1700. — The Senate i-efused (18 to 1 Ij to concur in 
the resolution of the House '"to meet anrl hold Iheir next session in 
Philadel|)hia." 

The Senate then })j-oci;ed<;d to considei' the; icport (d" th(; c(^iiimittce 
on the bill to determine the permanent residence, etc.; which was as 
follows: 

First. Tliat in tlieir f»piiiion, taking a combination of circumfitannoR into considera- 
tion, tiie present sesHion i.s a proper time; for fixing on lln' jicrijiiiiioit ((ssidence of 
CongrcHS and t})(; Government of the Uniterl States, and, afu^r dnt! conHideration, 
recommend tiiat it be placed on the eastern or northeastern bank oi tlie rotonia<;. 

Your connnittee further recommend tiiat sucli sinns of money as inay be offenfd 
by the States for the carrying tliis liill into effect may be acc<!ptcd of; tficn tix; })ill 
will read tinis: "And to a(!cept of grants of money or lands." 

Your committee were of opinion tiiat Congress can best determiin; tlie time to be 
allowed for completing the l>uildings. 

With respect to the temporary residence of Congress, yoin- ((immittee, after weigh- 
ing all fircumstances, consider the; ground of choice to Ik? so narrowed as to be full 
in the view of the Senate. 

Your connnittee recommend that the Senate siiould agree with all the otiier parts 
of the bill. 

"Whenmpon a motion was made that the opiuiiHi of tin; Senate be 
taken, whether it be expedient a! this time to determine upon any 
place for the permanent seat of the Government of the United States. 



68 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 



The (lucstion was decided in the ne^-ative ))y the casting- vote of the 
Vice-President. 

On motion: 

Oi'deird., 'Jliat the considiM-ation of the bill to deterniin(> "the })er- 
manent seat of Congress,"' etc., be resumed, the report of the commit- 
tee being- rejected. 

A motion was lost (in lo !») to till the blaidc in the lirst paragraph 
with the words '"the (Sisterly bank of the Potomac." 

X motion was also made to p()st})one the furth(M- (-onsideration of 
the bill foi-a fortnight. It ])assed in the negative. 

A motion to till the l)laid-; with '' Baltimore," was also lost, IT to 7. 

The following motions were also lost, x'v/.: 

To postpone the bill indeliniteh. 

To postpone the bill till the next si'ssion of Congress. 

To reject the tirst enacting- clause of the ])ill, viz: 

Be it (')i(tctrd, rfc, Tliat a tlistrict of territory imt exceeding 10 miles square to 1)0 

Ineati'il as hereafter directed at , and tlie same is hereby aeeeptcd as tlie j)er- 

maneiit seat of Congress and the ( iovernment of tiie United States. 

To adjom-n. 

To till the l)lank with "Wilmington, In the State of Delaware." 

A motion was then niad(\ that the iii-st enacting clause be agreed to; 
which was supersediul by a motion to adjourn, which w;is carried. 

Jn the Iloui^i' of Rcj^i'i'sentativei^^ Txcsdai/^ June 6", 1790. — The House 
was informed by message that the Senate disagreed to the resolution 
of the House of the 31st of May, "That Congress sliall m(>et and liold 
their next session at the city of IMiiladelphia.'' 

77n(rsdai/^ Ji/zw JO, 1790. — The House agreed, by a vote of 32 to 2!), 
to take up a motion which had been laid on the table, as follows: 

Ri'Kohrd, That when the two Houses shall adjourn to close thi' present session, the 
I'resident of the Senate ami Speaker of the lloust> of Representatives do adjourn 
their respective Houses to meet and iiold their next session in the city of I'hila- 
delphia. 

The motion being read, the Housi^ i-id'used to commit it to a Com- 
mittee of the A\' hole— 33 to 28. 

J^ridiiy, JiDic 11,1790. — A motion to substitute " Iialtimore" for 
"Philadelphia." was carried .'U to 2.S. 

The resolution, so amended, was then agreed to — 53 to 6, the noes 
being Messrs. Fitzsimons, of Pennsylvania; Ciilman, of Massachusetts; 
Schureman, of New Jersey; Tucker, of South Carolina; ^^'illiams()n, 
of North Carolina, and Wynkoop, of Pennsylvania. 

In the Senate — Monday, June 28, 1790. — The Senate proceeded to 
the consideration of the resolve of the House of llepresentatives of the 
11th of fJunc (to adjourn to Baltimore), which was postponed to take 
up the bill to determine "the permanent seat," etc. 



GOVERNMENT OF THE BTSTllIOT OF COLUMmA. 69 

On inolion: 

Oi'defed., Tliiit tlio coiisidonition of llic hill he poNtponcd, and that 
the reprcstMitation of ,I()liii O'Donni'll, in l)ehalt' of hiinsolt' and othoi-s, 
citizens of Haltiinorc town, statinj^" that town to be excccdinj>"ly com- 
modious and elio-il)le foi- the peinuinent scat of j»-ovevnment of the 
Uniti^d States, and the i-e])resentation of Robert IVtcM' in bcdialf of 
himself and others, iidiabitanls of (ii>orj4"etown, for the same; ])ur|)ose, 
be severally read. 

The consideration of llu^ hill was resumed, and the first cnactino- 
clause read, as follows: 

/>'(' // tiKK-U'd, eh-., 'Pliiit :i diHtru't of territory, not exceedhij>; 10 s(iiiiiro niiU'S, to In; 

loaitcd us hereafter (lircclcd, at lu', and the same is herel)y, accepted as the 

IH'iniancnt scat of ("Congress and the (iovernnient of tlie United States. 

A motion to (ill (he blank with the word '' Baltimore" was lost — 15 
to 10. 

On motion, after the woid '•directed,'" in the fifth line of the ))ill, to 

strike out to the end of the clause, and insert — 

on the river I'otoniac, at some place lu>t\veen the moutlis of the lOastern I'rancli and 
Connoyochegne, he, and the same is lierehy, acceptetl, for the permanent seat of tlie 
Government of tiie United States: Pronded, veirrthcletiti, That the 0])eration of the 
laws of the State within sin'li district shall not he affected r)y this acceptance, nntil 
tin- lime lixed for the removal of the Oovcrnment thereto, and nntil Congress shall 
otherwise hy law provide. 

It j)assed in the aflirmative, Hi to 9. 

On juotion tiiat th(> bill be amended as follows: 

After the word "autiiori/ed," in the second clanse, strike ont lo tlie end of the said 
clanse and insert, "to appoint, and hy snpplying vacancies liappening from refnsals 
to act, or otiier eanses, to keep in ai)]K)intment, as long as may he necessary, three 
commissiiiners, w ho, or any two of whom, shall, under the direction oi the President, 
and hy pro])er metes and hounds, deline and limit a district or territory, under tlie 
limitations above mentioned; and the district so defined, limited, and located shall 
he deemed the district acceptcil l)y this act for the permanent seat of the Government 
of the United States." 

The motion was ao-recd to without a division. 

On motion to subjoin to the amendment last ao-reed to. as follows: 

And he it enacted. That the said commissioners, or any two of them, shall have 
]tower to purchase or accept such (|uaiitity of land on tlii' eastern side. of the said 
liver, within the said district, as the I'ri'sident shall deem proper for the use of the 
United States, and according to such plans as tlie President shall approve, the said 
conimissit)ners, or any two f)f them, shall, prior to the first IMonday in December in 
the year 1800, ]n-ovi(U' suitahle huildings for the accommodation of Congress and of 
tlie I'resident, antl for the puhlic- ollices of the Government of the I'liited States. 

A motion was made to amend the amendment so as that it should 
read, '* prior to the first Monday of December, 1791;'' which motion 
Wiis lost — 16 to 9. 

A motion was then made io amend the proposed amendment so as 



70 GOVEENMENT OF THE DISTEICT OF COLUMBIA. 

that it shovild read, ''prior to the lirst Monda}^ in December, 1798;" 
which was also lost. 

And on motion to agree to the proposed amendment to the bill, it 
passed in the negative — 17 to 8. 

A motion prevailed (15 to 10) to strike out the third, fourth, and 
fifth enacting clauses in the bill and insert the following: 

And be it enacted, That for defraying tlie expense of sucli j)nr(hases and l)nildings 
the President of til e United States be authorized and requested to accept grants of 
money, and cause to be borro\\'ed a sum not exceeding one hun<b-ed thousand dol- 
lars, at an interest n(jt exceeding six per cent; for jiaNinentof which, and repayment 
of the principal witliin twenty years, so nuich of the (bities on imposts and tonnage 
as may be sufhcient is hereby i)ledged and a[)proi)riated. 

On motion to subjoin the following to the clause last agreed to: 

And be it endeted, That on the said lirst I\b)nday in December, ISOO, the seat of 
the Government of the United Rhites shall, l)y virtue of this act, be transferred to 
the district and place aforesaid; and all oHices attached to the said seat of govern- 
ment shall accordingly be removed thereto by their respective holders, and shall, 
after the said day, ceasi' to be exercised elsewhere; and the necessary expense of 
such removal shall ]>e defrayed out of the chities on imposts and tonnage, of which a 
sufficient sum is liere])y aiipropriated. 

It was carried — 13 to 12. 

On motion to fill the first blank in the last paragraph of the bill, viz: 

And Jie it fiirtJier eiKicted tnj tJie nitthurili/ nfnri.^did, That the temporary residence 
of Congress shall be and continue in the till the year , and no longer— 

with the words " city of New York,'' it passed in the affirmative — 
13 to 13. 

Tuesday, JaneiiO, 1700. — A motion to fill the blaidv in the last para- 
graph of the bill with the Avords '*one thousand eiglit hundred'' was 
carried — 13 to 12. 

A motion to agree to the last clause of the bill, aniciuled to read as 

follows : 

Be it enacted, etc. That the temporary residence of Congress shall l>e and continue 
in the city of New York till the year 1800, and no longer.^ 

It passed in the negative — 16 to 0. 

A motion was made to su])ioin tho following paragraph to the bill 
in lieu of that last struck out, to wit: 

And tie it' enacted, That prior to the first Monday in December next, all offices 
attached to the seat of Government of the United States, shall be removed to, and 
until the first INIonday in December, in the year 1800, shall remain at, the city of 
Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania; at which place the two Houses do hereby 
resolve that the session of Congress next ensuing the present shall be held. 

A motion was made to amend the motion, as follows: 

And be it enacted, That Congress shall continue to liold their sessions in the city of 
New York until the first Monday in December, 1794; and from and after the said 
first Monday of December, 1794, Congress shall hold their sessions in the city of 
Philadelphia, and shall continue there to hold the same until the first Monday in 
December, 1800. 



I 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 71 

This last motion was negatived l)y the casting ^•ote of the Vice- 
President, the Senate being divided — 13 to 13. 

A similar motion in regard to New York and Baltimore was nega- 
tived— 16 to 10. 

A similar motion to continue to sit at New York until the tirst Mon- 
day in December, 1792, and afterwards at Philadelphia until the first 
Monda}' in December, 1800, was decided in the negative by the casting 
vote of the Vice-President. 

The original motion, foi- removing the pu])lic ofiices to the Federal 
District before the first Monda}^ in December, 1800, and to remove to 
and continue in Philadelphia until that time, was negatived by the cast- 
ing vote of the Vice-President, the Senate being divided — 13 to 13, viz: 

Yeas: Bassett, Carroll, Elmer, Gunn. Hawkins, Henry, Langdon, 
Lee, Maclay, Morris, Read, Walker, and Wingate — 13. Nays: But- 
ler, Dalton, Ellsworth, Few, Foster, Johnson, Johnston, I/ard. King, 
Paterson, Schuyler, Stanton, and Strong — ]3. 

A motion that the bill pass to a third reading- was superseded ])y a 
motion to adjourn, which was carried. 

Wednesday, June 30^ 1790. — The Senate agreed to reconsider the last 
paragraph in the bill, which was j^esterday struck out; and 

On motion to amend the paragraph to read as follows: 

And he it enacted, That prior to the first Monday in Decern] )er next all offices 
attached to the seat of the Government of the United States shall he removed to and, 
until the said first Monday in December in the year 1800, shall remain at the city of 
Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, at which place the session of Congress 
next ensuing the present shall be held. 

A motion was made to amend the motion to read as follows: 

And be it enacted, That Congress shall continue to hold their sessions in the city of 
New York until the first Monday in December, 1794, and from and after the said 
first INIonday of December, 1794, Congress shall hold tlieir sessions in the city of 
Philadelphia, and shall continue there to hold the same until the first Monday of 
December, ISOO. 

This motion was lost without a division. 

A similar motion to amend, sid)stituting 1792 for iTlM, was also lost 
without a division. 

The original motion was then carried, 1-1 to 12, Mr. Butler having 
g'one over. 

The Senate also agreed to reconsider and strike out the following- 
clause, which had been agreed to 3"esterday: 

and cause to be borrowed a sum not exceeding one hundred thousand dollars at 
an interest not exceeding six per cent, for payment of which, and repayment of the 
principal within twenty years, so much of the duties on imposts and tonnage as may 
be sufficient is hereby pledged and appropriated. 

Yeas, 10; nays, 7. 

The ])ill was then ordered to a third reading, 16 to 10, viz: 

Ayes: Bassett, Ikitler, Carroll, Elmer, Few, Gunn, Hawkins, Henry, 



72 governmp:nt of the district of Columbia, 

Johnston, Langdon, Lee, Maclay, Morris, liead, AYalker, and Win 
gate, 16. 

Noes: Dalton, Ellsworth, Foster, Johnson, Izard, King, Peterson, 
Schuyler, Stanton, and Strong, 10. 

Thursday^ July 7, 1700. — On the third reading of the bill, a motion 
was lost to strike out these words in the first enacting clause, ""between 
the mouths of the Eastern Branch and Connococheaciue,'' and insert 
"within thirty miles of Hancock Town." 

A motion to substitute the first Mondaj' in May, 1T1>1, for the first 
Monday in Deceml)er, 1790, as the time for the removal of the pul)lic 
offices to Philadelphia, was lost by the casting vote of the Vice-Presi- 
dent, the Senate being divided, 13 to 18. 

A motion to restore the clause authorizing the President to borrow 
one hundred thousand dollars was lost without a division. 

The bill was then passed — 1-1 to 12. Mr. Few and Mr. AVingate, 
who voted in faxor of the third reading, voted against the passage of 
the bill. The other votes were the sami^ as on ordering the bill to a 
third reading. 

The title of the hill was ordered to he ''An act for establishing the 
temporary and permanent seat of the Government of the United 
States." 

In the, Ho^ise of Rep7'esentatives^ Friday^ July '2, 1790. — The l)ill was 
brought in from the Senate and had its first and second reading and 
conmiitted to a conmiittee of the whole House, 

Tuesday. July 6'. 1700. — In Committee of the Whole Mr. Sherman 
moved to strike out of the first clause the words "on the river Poto- 
mac," etc., iuid insert a clause which should include the town of 
Baltimore. 

Mr. Burke, of South Carolina, in debate, si)eaking of the removal 

of Congress from New York to Philadelphia, said: 

It is calculated to ariv^^t tlio fiiudinij; systi'in and to tlimw t'vi-rvthintr into con- 
fusion. * * * If til,. l,i|] is jiasscd in its jirt'sent form Contrress will never leave 
Philadehiliia. 

He spoke in handsome terms of Pennsylvania, but he was afraid of 
its influence, and it was the last State in which he would ever consent 
that the permanent seat of Government shoitld be. He then adverted 
to the iniiuence of the members from that State, who by their political 
management had, he said, raised a storm in the United States. He 
objected to Philadelphia also on account of there being no gallery in 
the House proposed for the accommodation of Congress. An open 
gallery he considered as a very important check to the legislature. 

Mr. Lawrence, among other topics, adverted to the funding busi- 
ness and other important matters which remain to he decided on, and 
ver}" strongly intimated that these <iuestions were to he determined 
agreeably to the fate of this Ijill. 

Mr. Bloodworth observed that, as i\\v funding hill had l)een alluded 



\ 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OP COLUMBIA. 73 

to, ho could wish that the olijoctioii from that quarter might be taken 
out of the way, and moved that they rise in order to take up the ways 
and means. 

]\Ir. Smith, of Maryland, introduced an address from the inhabit- 
ants of Baltimore to the Meml)ers and StMiators from that State, which 
was read. A memorial from the iidia))itants of Georg-etown was also 
read, and certain papers received from the executive of Virginia, and 
a report of a coumiittee appointed ])y the old Congress to view the 
banks of the Potomac. 

Mr. Seney, of Maryland, observed that the State of Maryland was as 
much divided on the sid)ject as the United States seemed to be. A 
great rivalship exists between the Potomac and Susquehanna rivers. 
Pennsylvania and Maryland had given the preference to the Susque- 
hanna. He agreed that Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia were 
the onl}" States who could make an}- reasona])le pretensions for the 
seat of government, but a majority of voices from these States had 
been against the Potomac. 

Mr. Scott, of Pennsylvania, said that from the town of Baltimore 
there is no water conveyance to the interior country, but from the 
proposed place on the Potomac there are 200 miles navigati(ni directly 
into the heart of the country. 

Mr. Madison contended that Baltimore ottered no advantages which 
were not common to the Potomac, and that in regard to centrality, 
security from invasion, and relation to the western country, the 
Potomac had greatly the advantage. 

In answer to the fears of some, that a future Congress woidd repeal 
the act, he flattered himself that some respect would be paid to the 
public interest and the plighted faith of the Government. I le urged 
the friends of the l>ill not to put it in hazard by consenting to any 
amendment. 

Mr. Gerry regretted that the sul)ject had l)een brought forward, 
"for it is very evident that it has had a very pernicious influence on 
the great business of funding the public debt.'' He said that it had 
been promised to New York that this place (New York) should be the 
temporar}' residence of Congress, and on this engagement the}' came 
into an unconditional adoption of the Constitution. 

Mr. Vining, of Delaware, said: 

We are sent here to do the pubUc business, and I trust that our constituents have 
not sent men that are to be deterred from doing their duty l)y such insicHous insin- 
uations, such ill-founded suggestions of deceiving and deluding the citizens of this 
place. He imputed the embarrassments of the public business to the assumption of 
the State debts, and not to the subject of residence. 

Wednesday, July 7, 775^.— In Committee of the Whole, Mr. Smith, 
of South Carolina, and several other members expressed their appre- 
hensions that if Congress should remain ten years in Philadelphia the 
seat of government would never 1)0 removed. 



74 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

Mr. Sherman's motion to sulistitute Baltimore for the Potomac was 
negatived — 37 to 23, 

Mr. Burke then made the followinu- motion: That the seat of o-ov- 
ernment should remain in New York two years from last May; and from 
the expiration of that time to the 3^ear ISOO, that the seat of govern- 
ment should remain in Philadelphia. This resolution was laid on the 
table. 

Mr. Sedgwick, of Massachusetts, moved to substitute ^" Delaware" 
for "Potomac." Negatived without debate. 

Mr. Seney moved that the permajient residence should be fixed 
between the Potomac and the Susquehanna. Negativc^l without 
a division. 

Mr. Gerry moved to amend the clause so as to include the town of 
Alexandria. This motion was also lost. 

A motion l)y Mr. Smith, of Maryland, to insert the word '• locate," 
was also lost; as was also a motion made t>v Mr. Lawrence, of New 
York, to substitute 1795 for 1800. 

Tuesday, July <S', 1790. — Mr. Burke, of South Carolina, then moved 
the following amendment: 

Be It further enacted, That the city of New York shall be seat of the government of 

the United States until the day of — ; and that thereafter, as soon as the 

same may be conveniently done, all the ottices attached to tlie seat of the Govern- 
ment of the United States shall be removed to the city of Philadelphia, in the State 
of Pennsylvania, wiiich sliall thencefortli be the seat of said Government until the 
day of . 

This motion was lost — 32 to 28. 

Mr. Smith, of South Carolina, moved the words "at which place 
the ensuing session of Congress shall be held" should ho erased, on the 
ground that the clause would limit the constitutional right of the two 
Houses to adjourn without the consent of the President. 

This motion being negatived, the committee rose and reported the 
bill without amendment. 

Friday, July 9, 1790.— Mv. Boudinot moved to substitute "Dela- 
ware " for "Potomac." Negatived, 39 to 22. 

Mr. Ames, of Massachusetts, moved to strike out "Potomac" and 
insert "Georgetown, in Pennsylvania.'' Negatived, 39 to 22. 

Mr. Smith, of Maryland, moved to strike out "Potomac," etc., and 
insert the words "between the rivers Susquehanna and Potomac, as 
the most healthy and convenient place, having due regard to the navi- 
gation of the Atlantic Ocean and the situation of the Western terri- 
tory." Negatived, 36 to 25. 

Mr. Lawrence moved to substitute " Baltimore '' for "the Potomac." 
The question was divided and the motion to strike out was negatived, 
34 to 26. 

Mr. Gerry moved to strike out of the third section the words "pur- 
chase or." Negatived, 35 to 2*;. 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 75 

Mr. Geny then moved to amend the third section by inserting- after 
the word "purchase" the words "with such money only as may be 
granted to the President of the United States in the manner herein- 
after provided." Negatived, 33 to 26. 

Mr. Lawrence moved to add these words, '"'' Provided, That the pur- 
chases and buildings aforesaid shall not exceed the sum of dol- 
lars. Negatived, 32 to 26. 

Mr. Geriy then moved to strike out the words "three Conmiission- 
ers or any two of them. Lost. 

Mr. Tucker, of South Carolina, moved to strike out the fifth section 
(respecting the removal of the public offices). Negatived, 33 to 28. 

Mr. Burke moved to substitute "May, 1792," for "December, 
1790," in the fifth section. Lost, 32 to 28^ 

Mr. Sherman moved to substitute "May," for "December," in the 
fifth section. Lost, 33 to 28. 

Mr. Smith, of South Carolina, moved to strike out of the fifth sec- 
tion the words "at which place the session of Congress next ensuing 
the present shall be held." Lost, 33 to 26. 

Mr. Smith, of Maryland, moved to amend the fifth section ]>}' adding 
the following, viz: 

Provided nevertheless, That whenever the President of the United States shall receive 
authentic information that the pul)lic buildings aforesaid are so far completed as to 
be fit for the reception of both Houses of Congress all otlices attached to the seat of 
government shall be removed thereto, anything herein contained to the contrary 
notwithstanding. 

Negatived, iS to 13. 

The bill was then passed, without amendment — ayes, 32; noes, 29. 

Ayes — Ashe, Baldwin, Bloodworth, Brown, (yadwalader, Carroll, 
Clymer, (.oles, Contee, Fitzsimons, Gale, Griffin, Hartly, Heister, 
Jackson, Lee, Madison, Matthews, Moore, Muhlenberg, Page, Parker, 
Scott, Sevier, Sinnickson, Steele, Stone, Sumter, Vining, White, Wil- 
liamson, Wynkoop — 32. 

Noes — Ames, Benson, Boudinot, Burke, Floyd, Foster, Gerry, Gil- 
man, Goodhue, Grout, Hathorn, Huntington, Lawrence, Leonard, 
Livermore, Partridge, Rensselaer, Schureman, Sedgwick, Seney, Sher- 
man, Silvester, Smith of Maryland, Smith of South Carolina, Sturges, 
Thatcher, Trumbidl, Tucker, Wadsworth— 29. 

The bill was approved by the President on the 16th of July, 1790. 

Monday, April 7, 1800.— '■'' An act to make further provision for 
the removal and accommodation of the Government of the United 
States" was read the third time in the House of Representatives. 
Passed — 47 to 33, and sent to the Senate for concurrence. 

House, Wednesday, April 16, 1800. — Messrs. H. Lee, Craik, Evans, 
Dennis, and Marshall were appointed a conuulttee to prepare and 
report a system of rules and regulations respecting the Territory of 
Columbia. This committee did not report. 



76 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

Senate., Thursday., April 17\ ISOO. — The bill ""to make further pro- 
visions," etc., was passed by the Senate with amendments — 18 to 10. 

Yeas — Anderson, Baldwin, Bloodworth, Chipman, Cocke, Dexter, 
Foster, Franklin, Greene, Gunn, Langdon, Lloyd, Marshall, Mason, 
Nicholas, Finkney, Read, and Tracy — 18. 

Noes — Bingham, Brown, Goodhue, Hillhouso, Latimore, Lawrence, 
Livermore, Ross, Schureman, and Wells — 10. 

The House agreed to the amendment, and the bill was approved on 
the 21th of April, 1800. 

On the 13th of May, 1800, the President approved an act directing 
that the next session of Congress should be holden at the city of 
Washington on the third Monday of November, 1800. This bill, which 
originated in the Senate, was ordered to a third reading in the House 
on Friday, May 9, 1800, by the casting vote of the Speaker, the 
House being divided — 32 to 32. On the third reading the bill was 
passed, 11 to 35. 

On the 22d of November, 1800, the President (Mr. John Adams), in 
his speech at the opening of Congress, said: 

I congratulate the people of the United States on the assembling of Congress at the 
permanent seat of their Government, and I congratulate you, gentlemen, on the 
prospect of a residence not to be changed. It is with you, gentlemen, to consider 
whether the local powers over the District of Columbia, vested by the Constitution 
in the Congress of the United States, shall be immediately exercised. If, in your 
opinion, this important trust ought now to be executed, you can not fail, while per- 
forming it, to take into view the future i)roba])le situation of tlie territory for the 
happiness of which you are al)out to provide. You will consider it as the capital of 
a great nation, advancing with imexanqiled rapidity in arts, in commerce, in wealth, 
and in population, and jjossessing within itself those energies which, if not thrown 
away or lamentably misdirected, will secuie to it a long (■t)urse of prosperity and 
self-government. 

The House of Representatives, in their answer to the speech, say: 

Tlie final establishment of the seat of National Government, which has now taken 
place in the District of Columbia, is an event of no small importance in the jjolitical 
transactions of our country. A consideration of those powers which have been vested 
in Congress over the District of Columbia will not escape oifr attention, nor shall we 
forget that in exercising these powers a regard must be had to those events which 
will necessarily attend the capital of America. 

Wednesday, December 31, 1800. — On a motion to recommit the bill 
concerning the District of Coluuibia, Mr. Harper (in repl}" to an obser- 
vation that the people of the District had continued for one hundred 
3^ears to live happily under their respective State governments, and 
therefore it was not necessary for Congress to legislate at all on the 
subject) said: 

But the iDrovision of the Constitution on this subject had not been made with this 
view. It was made to bestow dignity and independence on the Government of the 
Union. It was to protect it from such outrages as had occurred when it was differ- 
ently situated, when it was without competent legislative, executive, and judicial 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 77 

power to insure to itself respect. While the government was under the guardianship 
of State laws, those laws might be inadequate to its protection, or there might exist 
a spirit hostile to the General Government, or, at any rate, indisposed to give it proper 
l^rotection. This was one reason, among others, for the provisions of the Constitution 
confirmed and carried into effect by the acts of Maryland and Virginia, and by the 
act of Congress. 

The bill was recommitted to Messrs. H. Lee, P'.vans, Craik, Bird, 
Silas Lee, Chauncey Goodrich, and Dennis. 

This committee did not report upon that l)ill, it having- been super- 
seded bj^ a bill with the same title, which originated in the Senate 
and which was lirought to the House on the 5tli of February, 1801, 
and committed to a committee of the whole House, where it was 
amended and passed, with the amendment, by the House, on the 23d, 
and returned to the Senate, who agreed to the amendments on the 
2()th; and the bill was signed by the President on the 2Tth. 

Notwithstanding the seat of (Tovernment was thus fixed, the public 
offices removed, and Congress had exercised its exclusive legislation 
over the District, a motion was made on the 8th of Feln'uary, 1803, 
in the House of Representatives, l)y Mr. Bacon (of Massachusetts) that 
it be — 

Resolved, That it is expedient for Congress to recede to the State of Virginia the 
jurisdiction of that part of the Territory of Columbia which was ceded to the United 
States by the said State of Virginia by an act passed the 3d of December, 1789, 
entitled, etc., provided the said State of Virginia shall consent and agree thereto. 

Eesolred, That it is exi^edient for Congress to recede to the State of Maryland the 
jurisdiction of that [lart of .Columbia which was ceded to the United States by the 
said State of Maryland by an act passed the 19th of December, 1791, entitled "An 
act concerning the Territory of Columbia and the city of Washington;" provided 
the said State of Maryland should consent and agree thereto. 

This motion was referred to a committee of the whole House 
immediately. 

The reasons urged in favor of these resolutions were — 

1. That exclusive jurisdiction is not necessar}'^ nor useful to the 
Government. 

2. That it deprives the inhabitants of the District of their political 
rights. 

3. That nuich of the time of Congress was consumed in legislating 
for the District. 

4. That the government of the District is expensive. 

.5. The incompetency of Congress to legislate for the District, because 
the members are strangers to its local concerns. 

(). It is an example of a government without representation, an 
experiment dangerous to the liberties of the States. 

In answer to these reasons it was said: 

1. That the Constitution and the acts of cession of the States of 
Maryland and Virginia and the act gf Congress accepting the cession 



78 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

all contemplate the exercise of exclusive legislation by Congress; and 
its usefnlness, if not its necessit}", is inferred from the inconvenience 
which was felt by the Congress of the Confederation for want of it, 

2. That the people themselves, who are said to be deprived of their 
political rights, have not complained and do not desire a recession. 
The evil maybe remedied ])y giving them a represent-ation in Congress 
when the District shall l)ecome sufficiently populous, and in the mean- 
time a local legislature. If they have not political rights, they have 
great political influence, 

3, The trouble and expense of legislating for the District will not 
be great, and will diminish, and may in a great measure be avoided 
by a local legislature. 

4:. That Congress having accepted the cession can not divest itself 
of the right of exclusive jurisdiction and retain its seat of government. 

5. That Consfress can not recede the inhabitants without their 
consent. 

6. If the District should be receded, there would l)e no obligation 
upon the Government to remain in this place. 

7. By accepting the cession and exercising exclusive legislation a 
contract was entered into between the ceding States, the Congress, and 
the people of the District which coidd not be dissolved but by the 
consent of all the parties. 

After two days' debate the committee, on tlie Uth of February, 
reported their disagreement to the resolutions, and the House con- 
curred in the report — GO to 26. 

Notwithstanding this decided rejection of these resolutions, they 
were renewed at the next session by Mr. Dawson, in the House, on 
the 17^h of March, 1804. The cit}- of AVashington, however, was 
excepted from their operation. 

On the same day Mr. AV right, in the Senate, ]>r()ught in a l>ill for 
the temporary removal of the pid^lic offices to Baltimore, and for the 
session of Congress at that place. 

Mr. Dawson's resolutions were referred to a conmiittee of the whole 
House. 

On the 23d of March the House refused to go into committee upon 
them, and they were postponed to the first Monday in December, i. e. , 
rejected by a large majority, and without debate. 

In the Senate, on jNIonday, the 10th of March, Mr. AV right himself 
moved that the further consideration of the bill which he had intro- 
duced on the 17th should be postponed to the first Monday of May (a 
day after the end of the session), intimating that it was not his inten- 
tion that the bill should be passed, but that it should operate as a 
stimulus to the inhabitants of the city to exert themselves in providing 
more convenient accommodations for the members of Congress. 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 79 

Gen. James Jackson, of Georgia, in repl}', denied the right of Con- 
gress to remove the seat of government, whicli had been fixed under 
the provisions of the Constitution, lie observed that it had already 
cost the nation the assumption of the State debts to the amount of 
twenty-one millions of dollars, besides one or two millions for the 
public accommodation. Tliat Congress could not remove without a 
violation of the Constitution, and of the pu])lic faith, and without 
indemnifying the proprietors of property in the District. He said he 
should vote against the postponement under the expectation that the 
Senate would take up the bill and reject it by a majority so great that 
no similar proposition should ever be brought before them. 

]VIr. .Vnderson, of Tennessee, considered Congress as having the 
constitutional power of altering the seat of government, and thought 
it expedient to remove from Washington and to indemnify the 
inhabitants. 

Mr. Cocke, of Tennessee, was of opinion that the permanent scat of 
the Government was fixed luider the Constitution and that Congress 
had not the power to alter it. 

Mr. Adams, of Massachusetts, also contended strenuously against the 
right of Congress to remove the seat of Government. To do so would 
he to prostrate the national faith and to shako the confidence of the 
nation in the Government. 

The question of postponement was then taken and decided in the 
negative, 24 to 3. 

Mr. Dayton, of New Jersey, said that he had been instructed l)y the 
legislature of New Jersey, in case an}" prospect presented itself of a 
removal of the seat of Govei'nment, to offer in their name the public 
buildino-8 in Trenton for their accommodation. He therefore g'ave 
notice that in case the bill should go to a third reading he should pro- 
duce his instructions and move to substitute Trenton for Baltimore. 
At the same time he declared his opinion of the impolicy of the pro- 
posed measure. The provision in the Constitution had arisen from an 
experience of the necessity of establishing a permanent seat for the 
Government. To avert the evils arising from a perpetual state of 
mutation, and from the agitation of the puUic mind whenever the 
question was discussed, the Constitution had wisely provided for the 
estal)lishment of a permanent seat, vesting in Congress exclusive legis- 
lation over it. He admitted that there might l)e reasons which would 
justify a removal, such as great insalubrity of climate, or very great 
inconvenience in transacting the public business, or a turbulent spirit 
in the inhabitants endangering the safety of Congress, or a determined 
resolution, arising from a dissatisfaction with the government of Con- 
gress, expressed in favor of a recession. He did not, however, appre- 
hend that any of these reasons would occur. 



80 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

On the motion of Mr. Maelay, of Pennsylvania, the words " Balti- 
more '' and " Maryland "" were stricken out of the first section, and 
after further arg-ument the bill was negatived, 19 to 9. 

On Wednesday, the 12th of February, 1S(>6, Mr. Sniilie, of Pennsyl- 
vania, offered in the House of Representatives two resolutions for 
re-ceding- the District of Columbia, similar to those which had been 
offered by Mr. Bacon on the Sth of February, 1803. 

These resolutions were referred to a Committee of the Whole House, 
and made the order of the day for the following- Monday, lijit were 
never afterwards considered. 

On Monda}^ the 2r>th of September, 1814, immediately after the 
burning of the Capitol and public offices l)y the British, Mr. Fisk, of 
New York, proposed in the House of Representatives the following 
resolution: 

Resolved, That a committee be appointed to inquire into tlie expediency of remov- 
ing the seat of Government (hiring the present session of Congress to a])lace of greater 
security and less inconvenience than the city of Wasliington, with leave to report by 
bill or otherwise. 

This resolution was agreed to — 72 to 51. 

On Monday, Octo])er 3, the committee n^ported that it was inex- 
pedient to remove the seat of government at this time from the city 
of Washington. 

Upon the motion of Mr. Fisk, the word '"expedient" was substi- 
tuted for "'inexpedient,'' ]>v the casting vot(> of the Speaker (Mr. 
Cheves), the House being divided — i^S to (58. The reason which he 
gave was that this District could not be defended except at an immense 
expense. The report, as amended, was then referred to a Connuittee 
of the Whole House and made the order of the da}" for tlie Irth of 
October, when a motion l)y Mr. Newton of Virginia to postpone the 
subject indefinitely was lost — 77 to 01; and on the ()th the resolution, 
as amended, was agreed to — 72 to 71, and a committee was appointed 
to bring in a bill accordingly, Avho reported on the 13th. 

On the 15th the ])ill was rejected — 83 to 74. If the vote liad been 
taken by States, Dtdaware and all the vStates east of Delawai'e woidd 
have been in favor of removal and the other States against it, except- 
ing Kentucky, which was equally divided. There being then 18 States 
in the Union, the 9 Eastern States would have carried the bill through 
the House. 

The debate upon this subject Avas maintained for several da^^s by 
Mr. Pearson of North Carolina (one of whose speeches will be found 
in the National Intelligencer of November 5, 1811), Mr. Johnson of 
Kentucky, Mr. Forsyth, Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Macon, Mr. Fisk of Ver- 
mont, and Mr. Rhea against the removals; and Mr. Stockton, Mr. 
Grosvenor, Mr. Sharpe, Mr. Bowen, Mr. Ingersoll, and Mr. Fisk of 
York in favor of it. 

This debate, with the exception of Mr. Pearson's speech, has not 
V)cen published. 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 81 

The la.st piopo.sitiou which has been iinidc for receding- any portion 
of the District was made by Mr. Darlington, in the House of Repre- 
sentatives on the 6th of January, 1820, in the following words: 

Whereas there appears to be considerable dissatisfaction among the inhabitants 
of the District of Columbia, who reside without the limits of the city of Washington, 
on account of the inconveniences to which they are sulijected by the present mode 
of government in said District; and. 

Whereas it is desiral)le that Congress should, as far as practicable, be relieved from 
the duty of legislating in cases where it is at once burthensome in itself and unaccept- 
able to the people: Therefore, 

Resolved, That the Committee for the District of Columbia be instructed to enquire 
into the expediency of retroceding and restoring to the States of IMaryland and Vir- 
ginia, respectively, all such portions of the territory of said district, not included 
within the limits of the city (if Washington, as were derived from those States. 

But the House refused to consider the resolution. 



Appendix 2. 

AN ACT for establishing the temporary and permanent seat of the Government of 

the United States. 

Section 1. Be it enacted hy the Senate and House of Tteiyresentatwes 
of the United States of America in Congress assembled ^ That a district 
of territory, not exceeding ten miles square, to be located as hereafter 
directed on the river Potomac, at some place between the mouths of 
the Eastern Branch and the Connogochegue, be, and the same is hereby, 
accepted for the permanent seat of the government of the United 
States: Provided nevertheless, That the operation of the laws of the 
State within such district shall not be affected by this acceptance, until 
the time fixed for the removal of the government thereto, and until 
Congress shall otherwise by law provide. 

Sec. 2. Aijd he it further enacted. That the President of the United 
States be authorized to appoint, and by supplying- vacancies happening 
from refusals to aot or other causes, to keep in appointment as long 
as ma}^ be necessary, three commissioners, who, or any two of whom, 
shall, under the direction of the President, survey, and by proper 
metes and bounds define and limit a district of territory, under the 
limitations above mentioned; and the district so defined, limited, and 
located shall be deemed tlie district accepted by this act for the per- 
manent seat of the government of the United States. 

Sec. 3. A7id he it {further) enacted, That the said connnissioners, or 
any two of them, shall have power to purchase or accept such quantity 
of land on the eastern side of the said river, within the said district, as 
the President shall deem proper for the use of the United States and 
according to such plans as the President shall approve, the said com- 
missioners, or any two of them, shall, prior to the first Mondaj^ in 
December, in the year one thousand eight hundred, provide suitable 
14218—03 6 



82 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

buildings for the accommodation of Congress and of the President, 
and for the public offices of the government of the United States. 

Sec. 4. A)id he !t {_f>f/'ther) enacted^ That for defraying the expense 
of such purchases and buildings, the President of the United States be 
authorized and requested to accept grants of money. 

Sec. 5. And l>e it {further) enacted, That prior to the first Monday 
in Decemlier next, all offices attached to the seat of the government of 
the United States, shall ))e removed to, and until the s^aid first Monday 
in December, in the yQxiv one thousand eight hundred, shall remain 
at the city of Philadel})hia, in the State of Pennsylvania, at which 
place the session of Congress next ensuing the present shall 1)0 held. 

Sec. 6. And he It {furthci') oxu-trd^ That on the said first Monday 
in December, in the year one thousand eight hundred, the seat of the 
Government of the United States shall, ])v virtue of this act, be trans- 
ferred to the district and place aforesaid. And all offices attached to 
the said seat of Government, shall accordingly be removed thereto by 
their respective holders, and shall, after the said day, cease to be exer- 
cised elsewhere; and that the necessary expense of such removal shall 
be defrayed out of tlu^ duties on imposts and tonnage, of which a suffi- 
cient sum is h(M-ol>y appropriated. 

Approved, July K'., 1T:»(). (1 Stats., 130.) 



Appendix 8. 

AN ACT to cede to ("on<,rress a district of 10 miles wjiiare in this State (Maryland) 
for the seat of the Government of tlie United States. Approved December 23, 

1788. 

' Be it cndctcd tnj tJie Generat Axxi nd>l ij <>f Maryland^ That the rep- 
resentatives of this State in th(> lIous(> of Representatives of the 
Congress of the United States, appointed to assemble tit New York 
on the first Wednesday of jNIarch next, be, and they are hereby, 
authorized and required, on behalf of this State, to cede to the Con- 
gress of the United States any district in this State not exceeding 10 
miles square, which the Congress may fix ' upon and accept for the 
seat of Government of the United States. 



Appendix 4. 

AN ACT for the cession of 10 miles square or any lesser quantity of territory within 
this State ( Virginia) to the United States in Congress assembled, for the perma- 
nent seat of the General Government. Approved, December 3, 1789. 

1. Whereas the equal and common benefits resulting from the 
administration of the General Government will be best diffused and 
its operations become more prompt and certain by establishing such a 
situation for the seat of said Government as will be most central and 
convenient to the citizens of the United States at large, having regard 
as well to population, extent of territory, and free navigation to the 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 83 

Atlantic Ocean, throuo-h the Chesapeake Bay, a.s to the most direct 
and ready comnmnication with our fellow citizens in the Western 
frontiers; and whereas it appears to this assembly that a situation 
combining- all the considerations and advantages before recited may 
be had on the banks of the river Potomac, above tide water, in a 
country rich and fertile in soil, healthy and salul)rious in climate, and 
abounding in all the necessaries and conveniences of life, where, in a 
location of 10 miles square, if the wisdom of Congress shall so direct, 
the States of Pennsylvania. Maryland, and Virginia may participate 
in such location: 

2. Be it therefore enacted hy tJie general asset id)hj^ That a ti'act of 
country, not exceeding ten miles square, or any lesser quantity, to be 
located within the limits of this State, and in any pai't thereof as Con- 
gress may by law direct, shall be, and the same is, forever ceded and 
relinquished to the Congress and Government of the United States, in 
full and absolute right and exclusive jurisdiction, as well of soil as of 
persons residing or to reside thereon, pursuant to the tenor and effect 
of the eighth section of the first article of the Constitution of the 
Government of the United States. 

III. Proiuded^ That nothing herein contained shall l)e herein con- 
strued to vest in the United States any right of property in the soil, 
or to affect the rights of individuals therein, otherwise than the same 
shall or ma}" be transferred by such individuals to the United States. 

IV. And provided also^ That the jurisdiction of the laws of this 
Commonwealth over the persons and property of individuals residing 
within the limits of the cession aforesaid shall not cease or determine 
until Congress, having accepted the said cession, shall by law provide 
for the government thereof, under their jurisdiction, in the manner 
provided b}^ the article of the Constitution before recited. 



Appendix 5. 

AN ACT concerning the advance of money to the Government of the United States 

for public buildings. 

Whereas the general assembly of Maryland has acceded to a propo- 
sition of the general assembly of this Commonwealth, contained in 
their resolution of the tenth day of December, 1789, concerning an 
advance of money to the General Government to be applied towards 
the erection. of public buildings at the permanent seat of the Govern- 
ment of the United States, should Congress deem it expedient to 
fix it on the banks of the Patowmac k; and whereas Congress hav^e 
passed an act for establishmg the said seat of government on the 
Patowmack — 

''''Be it enacted hy the general assembly (of Virginia), That 120,000 
dollars shall be advanced l)v this Commonwealth to the General Gov- 



84 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

ernment, payable in three equal 3"early payments, and to be applied 
toward erecting public buildings at tlie permanent seat of government 
of the United States on the banks of the Patowmack, and the auditor 
of pul)lic accounts is hereb}' directed to issue his warrants on the 
treasurer to the amount of 120,0(»0 dollars, payable in the manner here- 
inbefore directed, to the order of the President of the United States." 
Passed December 27, 1790. 



Appendix 6. 
[seal.] Geor(4E Washington, Freddent of the United States. 

To all who shall see these presents, gi'eeting: 

Know ye, that reposing special trust and contidence in the integrity, 
skill, and diligence of Thos. .Johnson and Daniel Carroll, of Maryland, 
and David Stuart, of Virginia, I do, in pursuance of the powers vested 
in me by the act entitled "An act for establishing the temporary and 
permanent seat of the Government of the United States," approved 
Jul}^ 16, 1790, hereby appoint them, the said Thomas Johnson, Daniel 
Carroll, and David Stuart, commissioners for surveying the district of 
territory accepted ])y the said act for the permanent seat of the Govern- 
ment of the United States, and for performing such other offices as by 
law are directed, with full authority for them, or any two of them, to 
proceed therein according to law, and to have and to hold the said 
office, with all the powers, i)rivileges, and authorities to the same of 
right appertaining each of them, during the pleasure of the President 
of the United States for the time beinfif. 

In testimony whereof I have caused these letters to be made patent 
and the seal of the United States thereto affixed. 

Given under my hand at the city of Philadelphia, the twenty-second 
day of January, in year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and 
ninety -one and of the Independence of the United States the fifteenth. 

George Washington. 

B}^ the President: 

Thomas Jefferson. 



Appendix 7. 

AN ACT to anieiid "An act for establishing the temporary and permanent seat of the 

Government of the United States." 

Be it enacted hy the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States ef America in Congress assonhled, That so much of the 
act entitled "An act for establishing the temporary and permanent 
seat of the government of the United States" as requires that the 
whole of the district of territoiy, not exceeding ten miles square, to be 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 85 

located on the river Potomac, for the permanent seat of the govern- 
ment of the United States, shall be located abovx the mouth of the 
Eastern Branch, be and is hereby repealed, and that it shall ])e lawful 
for the President to make any part of the territory below the said 
limit, and al)Ove the mouth of Hunting- Creek, a part of the said dis- 
trict, so as to include a convenient part of the Eastern Branch, and of 
the lands h'ing on the lower side thereof, and also the town of Alex- 
andria, and the territory so to be included, shall form a part of the 
district not exceeding ten miles square, for the permanent seat of the 
Government of the United States, in like manner and to all intents and 
purposes as if the same had been within the purview of the above- 
recited act: Provided^ That nothing herein contained shall authorize 
the erection of the public buildings otherwise than on the Maryland 
side of the river Potomac, as required b}^ the aforesaid act. 
Approved March 3, 1T91. (1 Stats., 214.) 



Appendix 8. 

On March 28, 1791, President Washington reached Georgetown, 
and on the 21)th he rode over the proposed site of the Federal city, 
in company with the three Commissioners and the two surve3^ors, 
Andrew EUicott and Maj. Peter Charles L'Enfant, 

On the evening of the same day a meeting was held for the purpose 
of effecting a friendly agreement between the proprietors of the lands 
constituting the site of the Federal city and the United States commis- 
sioners, and Washington's good counsel on that occasion had so favor- 
able an effect that the general features were settled that very evening 
for the agreement, which was signed and executed l)y nineteen property 
holders the next day, and thereb}^ the rights of and titles to property 
within this District and city may V)e said to have been decided on that 
evening. 

This agreement, which was accepted by the Commissioners and 
recorded in their books on April 12, 1791, was as follows: 

We, the subscribers, in consideration of the great benefits we expect to derive from 
having the Federal city laid off upon our lands, do hereby agree and bind ourselves, 
heirs, executors, and administrators, to convey, in trust, to the President of the 
United States, or commissioners, or such person- or persons as he shall appoint, by 
good and sufficient deeds, in fee simple, the whole of our respective lands which he 
may think proper to include within the lines of the Federal city, for the purposes and 
on the conditions following: 

The President shall have the sole power of directing the Federal city to be laid off 
in what manner he pleases. 

He may retain any number of squares he may think proper for public improve- 
ments, or other public uses; and the lots only which shall be laid off shall be a joint 
property between the trustees on behalf of the public and each present proprietor, 



8G GOVEKNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

and the wiiiie shall he fairly and e(]ually divided hetween the jmblic and the iudi- 
vidiialy, as soon as may he, tlie eity sliall he laid off. 

lAir the streets the i>r(>i)riet(»rs shall receive im compensation; hut for the sijuares 
or hinds in any form, which shall lie taken for |)iihlic hiiildiiiurs, or any kind of pub- 
lic ini})rovements or uses, the j)roprietors whose lands shall be taken shall receive at 
the rate of 25 pounds per acre, to b(» i)aid by the public. 

The whole wood on tlie lauds shall be the property of the proprietors, and should 
any 1)e desired by the President to be reserved or U'ft standing-, the same shall be 
paid for by the jiublic at a just and reasonable valuation, exclusive of the £'2b per 
acre to be paid for the laml on which the same shall remain. 

Each proprietor shall retain the full possession antl use of his land until the same 
shall he sold and occupied by the ])urchase of the lots laid out thereon, and in all 
cases where the public arrangements as the streets, lots, etc., will admit of it, each 
proprietor shall possess his buildings and other imi)rovements and graveyards, pay- 
ing to the public only one-half the present estimated value of the Ian<l, on which 
the same shall be, or £12 lOsh. per acre; but in cases where the arrangements of 
the streets, lots, squares, etc., will not admit of this, and it shall become necessary to 
remove such buildings, etc., the ])ro]irietors of the same shall be paid the reasonable 
value thereof by the public. 

Nothing herein containeil shall affect the lots any of the parties to this agreement 
may hold in the towns of Ihunburgh or Carrolsburg. 

In witness whereof we have hereunto si't our hands and seals this 30tli day of 
March, in the year of ouv Lord 1791. 

IvoHKur 1'kteh. [skal.] 

David Bi'rnes. [seal.] 

Jas. M. Ling an. [seal.] 

Ukiah Fourest. [seal.] 

Ben.iamin Stoddekt. [seal.] 

NOTLEY YoUNO. [SEAL.] 

Daniel Cahkoi.i. of Di'odinoton. [seal.] 

Overton ("auk. [seal.] 

Tho.mas Deale of (Ieorue. [seal.] 

CiiAS. Beaity. [seal.] 

AnTIIONV lIol.MEAl). [seal.] 

Wm. Yoi'No. [seal.] 

Edward Pierce. [seal.] 

Abraha.m Young. [seal.] 

Jas. Pierce. [seal.] 

Wm. Pkoit. [sEAt;.] 

KoRERT I^ETER, ' [sEA L. ] 

As Altomeij in Fact for EJiplioK Douglass. 

Benjamin Stoddert, [seal.] 

For ./(IS. ]V<trreii, Iti/ irrittcn outhoritij froin 11'. Warren. 

Wm. King. [seal.] 

Signed and sealed in presence of Mr. Thomas P>eale, making an exception of the 
land lie sold A. C. Young not yet conveyed. 
AVitness to all subscribers, including Wm. Young. 

Wm. Bailey. 

Wm. Korertson. 

John Luter. 

Sam. Davidson (witness to Abraham Young signing). 

Benjamin Stoddert (witness to Pierce's signing). 

JosEJ'H E. Kowles (for. 1 no. Warring). 

Wm. Deaking, Jr. (for Wul Prout and Wm. King). 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 87 

Appendix 0. 

Whereas, by proeUiniation bearino- date tlie ^4th day of Jan., of this 
present year, and in pursuance of certain acts of the States of Mary- 
land and Vii'<4inia and the 0)ngress of the United States, therein 
mentioned, certain lines of experiment were directed to be run in the 
neighborhood of Georgetown, in Maryland, for the purpose of locat- 
ing a part of the territory of ten miles square, for the permanent seat 
of government of the United States, and a certain part was directed to 
be located within the said lines of experiment on both sides of the 
Potomac, and above the limits of the Eastern Branch, prescribed by 
the said act of Congress; 

And Congress, l)y an amendiitory act, passed on the od day of this 
present month of March, have given further authority to the President 
of the United States '^ to make any part of the said territory heloiv the 
said lim.it and above the mouth of Tlxnting Creeh a jjart of said district, 
so as to include a convenient part (f the Eastern Branchy and of tJie 
lands lying on the lower side thereof, and also the town of Alexandria:'''' 

Now, therefore, for the purpose of amending and completing the 
location of the whole of said territory of ten miles square, in conform- 
ity with the said amendatory act of Congress, I do hereby declare and 
make known that the whole of the said territory shall be located and 
included within the four lines following, that is to say: 

Beginning at Jones's Point, being the upper cape of Hunting Creek, 
in Virginia, and at an angle in the outset of forty-five degrees west of 
the north, and running in a direct line ten miles, for the first line; then 
beginning again at the same Jones's Point, and runnina' another direct 
line, at a right angle with the first, across the Potomac ten miles, for 
the second line; thence from the termination of said tirst and second 
lines, running two other lines of ten miles each, the one crossing the 
Eastern Branch aforesaid and the other the Potomac, and meeting each 
other in a point. 

And 1 do accordingly direct the commissioners named under the 
authority of the said first-mentioned act of Congress to proceed forth- 
Avith to have the said four lines run, and by proper metes and bounds 
defined and limited, and thereof to make due report, under their hands 
and seals; and the territory so to be located, defined, and limited shall 
be the whole territory accepted by the said act of Congress as the dis- 
trict for the permanent seat of the Government of the United States. 

In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be 
affixed to these presents,'and signed the same with my own hand. Done 
at Georgetown aforesaid the 30th day of March, in the year of our Lord 
1791, and of the Independence of the United States the fifteenth. 

[seal.] - George Washington. 

By the President: 

Thomas Jefferson. 



88 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

Appendix 10. 

Ill pursuance of the act of Kith of July, 17H0, three commissioners 
were appointed, who proceeded to locate the district of lo miles square 
agreeabl}^ to the following' proclamation of the President: 

By the President of the United States of America. 

A PROCLAMATION. 

Whereas the general asseml)ly of the State of Marjdand, by an act 
passed on the 23d day of December, 1788, entitled, ''An act to cede to 
Congress a district of ten miles s(|uare in this State for the seat of 
Government of the United States," did enact, that the representatives 
of the said State in the House of Representatives of the Congress of 
the United States, appointed to assembh> at New York on the first 
Wednesday of Marcli then next ensuing, should be, and they were 
thereb}", authorized and required, on the behalf of the said State, to 
cede to the Congress of the United States any district in the said 
State not exceeding ten mihvs square, which the Congress might fix 
upon and accept for the seat of Government of the United States. 

And the general assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia, by an 
act passed on the 8d day of Decend)er, 1T85>, and entitled "An act for 
the cession of ten miles square, or any lesser quantity of territor}^ 
within this State, to the I'nited States in Congress assembled, for the 
permanent scat of the General Government. "" did enact, that a tract 
of country not exceeding t(Mi s([uare mili>s, or any lesser quantity, to be 
located within the limits of the said State, and in any part thereof, as 
Congress might by law direct, should ]»e and the same was thereby 
forever ceded and relinquished to the Congress and Government of the 
United States, in full and absolute right, and exclusive jurisdiction, 
as well of soil as of persons residing or to reside thereon, pursuant to 
the tenor and ett'ect of the (Mghth section of the tirst article of the 
Constitution of Government of the United States: 

And the Congress of the United States, by their act passed the 16th 
da}' of Jul}', 1790, and entitled "An act for establishing the tempo- 
rary and permanent seat of the Government of the United States," 
authorized the President of the United States to appoint three com- 
missioners to survey under his direction, and by proper metes and 
bounds to limit a district of territory not exceeding ten miles square 
on the river Potomac, at some place between the mouth of the Eastern 
Branch and Conococheague, which district, so to be located and 
limited, was accepted by the said act of Congress as the district for 
the permanent seat of the Government of the United States. 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 89 

Now, therefore, in pursuance of the powers to me confided, and 
after (hdy examining- and weighing- the advantages and disadvantages 
of the several situations within the limits aforesaid, 1 do hereby 
declare and make known tliat the location of one part of the said dis- 
trict of ten miles square shall be found by running- four lines of exper- 
iment in the following- manner, that is to say: Running from the 
court-house of Alexandria, in Virginia, due southwest half a mile, and 
thence a due southeast course till it shall strike Hunting Creek, to fix 
the beginning- of the said four lines of experiment. 

Then beginning the first of the said four lines of experiment at the 
point on Iliuiting- Creek, where the said southeast course shall have 
struck the same, and running the said first line due northwest ten 
miles; thence the second into Maryland, duo northeast ten miles; 
thence the third line due southeast ten miles; and thence the fourth 
line due southwest ten miles, to the begiiming on Hunting- Creek. 

And the said four lines of experiment being so run, 1 do hereby 
declare and make known that all that part within the said four lines 
of experiment which shall be within the State of Maryland, and above 
the Eastern Branch, and all that part within the same four lines of 
experiment which shall be within the Commonwealth of Virginia, and 
above a line to be rim from the point of land forming- the Upper Cape 
of the mouth of the P^astern Branch due southwest, and no more, is 
now fixed upon, and directed to be surveyed, defined, liiuited, and 
located for a part of the said district accepted by the said act of Con- 
gress for the permanent seat of the Government of the United States; 
hereby expressly reserving the direction of the survey and location of 
the remaining part of the said district, to be made hereafter contiguous 
to such part or parts of the present location as is or shall be agreeably 
to law. 

And I do accordingly direct the said commissioners, appointed 
agreeably to the tenor of the said act, to proceed forthwith to run 
the said lines of experiment, and, the same being run, to survey and, 
by proper metes and bounds, to define and limit the part within the 
same which is hereinbefore directed for immediate location and accept- 
ance, and thereof to make due report to me under their hands and 
seals. 

In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States 
to be aflixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand. 
Done at the city of Philadelphia the 24th day of Januar}^, in the year 
of our Lord 1791, and of the Independence of the United States the 
fifteenth, 

George Washington. 

By the President: 

Thomas Jefferson. 



90 GOVEKNMENT OF THE DISTEICT OF COLUMBIA.* 

Appendix 10a. 

By the President op the United States. 

A PROCLAMATION. 

Whereas by a proclamation bearing date the ^4th day of January 
of this present year, and in pursuance of certain acts of the States of 
Maryland and Virginia and of the Congress of the United States 
therein mentioned, certain lines of experiment were directed to be run 
in the neighborhood of George Town, in Maryland, for the purpose 
of determining the location of a part of the territory of ten miles 
square for the permanent seat of government of the United States, 
and a certain part was directed to ))e located within the said lines of 
experiment on both sides of the Potomac and above the limit of the 
Eastern Branch, prescribed by the said act of Congress; 

And Congress. ])y an amendatory act passed on the 3d da}" of this 
present month of March, have given further authority to the Presi- 
dent of the United States "'to make any part of the said territory 
below the said limit and above the mouth of Hunting Creek a part of 
the said district, so as to include a convenient part of the Eastern 
Branch and of the lands lying on the lower side thereof, and also the 
town of Alexandria;" 

Now, therefore, for the purpose of amending and completing the 
location of the whole of the said territory" of ten miles square, in 
conformity with the said amendatory act of Congress, I do hereby 
declare and make known that the whole of the said territory shall be 
located and included within the four lines following, that is to say: 

Begiiming at Jones' I'oint, being the upper cape of Hunting Creek, 
in Virginia, and at an angle in the outset of 45 degrees west of the 
north, and running in a direct line ten miles for the lirst line; then 
beginning again at the same flones' Point, and running another direct 
line at a right angle with the tirst across the Potomac ten miles for the 
second line; then from the terminations of the said iirst and second 
lines running two other direct lines of ten miles each, the one across 
the Eastern Branch aforesaid and the other the Potomac, and meeting 
each other in a point. 

And 1 do accordingly direct the commissioners, named under the 
authority of the said first mentioned act of Congress, to proceed forth- 
with to have the said four lines run, and by proper metes and bounds 
detined and limited, and thereof to make due report under their hands 
and seals; and the territory so to be located, detined, and limited shall 
be the whole territory accepted Ijy the said act of Congress as the 
district for the permanent seat of the Government of the United 
States. 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 91 

In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the Ignited States 
to be aiiixed to these presents, and signed th(^ same with my hand. 
Done at George-Town aforesaid, the 30th day of Marcii, in the year 
of our Lord 1791, and of the Independence of the United States the 
fifteenth. 

Georgp: Washington. 
By the President: 

Thomas Jefferson. 



Appendix 11. 



On or about the 29th of June, 1791, nineteen original proprietors of 
le greater parts of the hinds which now constitute the city of Wash- 
gton conveyed them in trust, by deeds in tlie following form, viz: 



th_„ ^ 

ington conveyed the 

[Copy of the deed in trust from an original proprietor of the ground on which the city of Washington 
is located to the trustees appointed by authority of the United States to receive the same.] 

This indenture, made this 29th da}' of June, in the 3^ear of our Lord 
one thousand seven hundred and ninet^^-one, between (here is inserted 
the name of the grantor), of the State of Maryland, of the one part, 
and Thomas Beall, of George, and John M. Gaiitt, of the State of 

Maryland, of the other part, witnesseth: That the said 

(the grantor), for and in consideration of the sum of five shillings, to him 
in hand paid by the same Thomas Beall, of George, and John M. Gantt, 
before the sealing and delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof 
he doth hereby acknowledge, and thereof doth acquit the said Thomas 
Beall, of George, and flohn M. Gantt, their executors and adminis- 
trators; and also, for and in consideration of the uses and trust here- 
inafter mentioned, to be performed by the said Thomas Beall, of 
George, and efohn M. Gantt, and the survivor of them, and the heirs 
of such survivor, according to the true intent and meaning thereof, 
hath granted, l)argained, sold, aliened, released, and confirmed, and by 
these presents doth grant, bargain, sell, alien, release, and confirm unto 
the said Thomas Beall, of George, and John M. Gantt, and the survivor 
of them, and the heirs of such survivor, all the lands of him, the said 
(grantor) lying and being within the following limits, boundaries, and 
lines, to wit: Beginning on the east side of Rock Creek, at a stone stand- 
ing in the middle of the main road leading from Georgetown to Bladens- 
burg; thence along the middle of the said road to a stone standing on the 
east side of the lieedv Branch of Goose Creek; thence southeasterly, 
making an angle of 61 degrees and tw'cnt}" minutes with the meridian, to 
a stone standing in the road leading from Bladensburg to the Eastern 
Branch ferry; thence south, to a stone eighty poles north of the east 
and west line alread}' drawn from the mouth of Goose Creek, to the 
Eastern Branch; then east, parallel to the said east-and-west line, to the 



92 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

Eastern Branch; thence by and with the waters of the Eastern Branch, 
Potomac River, and Rock Creelc to the l)ooinnino-, with their appur- 
tenances, except all and every lot and lots of which the said — 

(the grantor) is seized or to which he is entitled in CVirroUs- 



burg or Hamburg; to have and to hold the hereby bargained and 
sold lands with their appurtenances to the said Thomas Beall of 
George and John M. Gantt, and the survivor of them, and the heirs 
of such surviV'Or forever: To and for the special trust following, and 
no other; that is to say: That all the said lands hereby bargained and 
sold, or such part thereof as may be thought necessary or proper to 
be laid out, together with other lands within the said limits, for a 
Federal city, with such streets, squares, parcels, and lots as the 
President of the United States for the time being shall approve; 
and that th(} said Thomas Beall of George and John M. Gantt, or the 
survivor of them, or the heirs of such survi\'or shall convey to the 
Commissioners for the time being, appointed by virtue of the act of 
Congress entitled "An act for estaldishing the temporary and perma- 
ment seat of the Government of the United States,"" and their suc- 
cessors, for the use of the United States forever, all the said streets 
and such of the said stjuares, parcels, and lots as the President shall 
deem proper, for the use of the United States; and that as to the residue 
of the said lots, into which the said lands hereby bargained and sold 
shall have been laid otf ajid divided, that a fair and equal division of 
them shall be made. And if no other mode of di^ ision shall be agreed 
on by consent of the said (the grantor) and the Commis- 
sioners for the time Ix-ing, then such residue of the said lots shall be 

divided, every other lot alternate to the said (the 

grantor), and it shall, in that event, be determined by lot, whether 

the said (the grantor) shall begin with the lot of the 

lowest number laid out on the said lands or the following number. 
And all the said lots which may in any manner be divided or 

assigned to the said (the grantor) shall, thereupon, 

together with any part of the bargained and sold lands, if any, which 
shall not have been laid out in the said city, he conveyed by the said 
Thomas Beall of George and John M. Gantt, or the survivor of them, 

or the heirs of such survivor, to him, the said (the 

grantor), his heirs and assigns. And that the said other lots shall and 
may be sold at such time or times, in such manner, and on such terms 
and conditions as the President of the United States for the time being 
shall direct; and that the said Thomas Beall of George and John M. 
Gantt, or the survivor of them, or the heirs of such survivor, will, on 
the order and direction of the President, convey all the said lots so 
sold and ordered to be conveyed to the respective purchasers in fee 
simple, according to the terms and conditions of such purchases; and the 
produce of the sales of the said lots when sold as aforesaid shall in the 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 93 
iirst place be applied to the payment in money to the said 



(the grantor), his executors, administrators, or assigns, for all the part 
of the land hereby bargained and sold which shall have been laid off 
into lots, squares, or parcels, and appropriated as aforesaid to the use 
of the United States, at the rate of twenty-five pounds per acre, not 
accounting the said streets as part thereof. 

And the said twent3^-five pounds per acre, being so paid, or in any 
other manner satisfied, that then the produce of the same sale, or 
what thereof ma}" remain as aforesaid, in money or securities of any 
kind, shall be paid, assigned, transferred, and delivered over to the 
President of the United States, for the time being, as a grant of 
money, and to be applied for the purposes and according to the act of 

Congress aforesaid. But the said conveyance to the said 

(the grantor), his heirs or assigns, as well as the conveyance to the 
purchasers, shall be on, and subject to such terms and conditions as 
shall be thought reasonable, by the President, for the time being, for 
regulating the materials and manner of the buildings and improve- 
ments on the lots, generally, in the said city, or in particular streets, 
or parts thereof, for common convenience, safety, and order: Provided^ 
Such terms and conditions l)e declared before the sales of any of the 
said lots, under the direction of the President. And in trust further, 

and on the agreement that the said (the grantor), his 

heirs or assigns, shall and may continue his possession and occupation 
of the said lands hereby bargained and sold, at his and their will and 
pleasure, until they shall be occupied under the said appropriations 
for the use of the United States as aforesaid, or b}^ purchasers; and 
when an}" lots or parcels shall be occupied under purchase or appro- 
priations as aforesaid, then, and not until then, shall the said 

■ (the grantor) relinquish his occupation thereof. And in trust 



also, as to the trees, timber, and wood, on the premises, that he the 

said (the grantor) his heirs or assigns, may freely cut 

down, take, and carry away, and use the same as his and their prop- 
erty, except such of the trees and wood growing as the President or 
commissioners aforesaid may judge proper, and give notice, shall be 
left for ornaments, for which the just and reasonable value shall be 
paid to the said (the grantor), his executors, adminis- 
trators, or assigns, exclusive of the twenty-five pounds per acre for 
the land. 

And in case the arrangements of the streets, lots, and the like will 

conyeniently admit of it, he the said (the grantor), his 

heirs or assigns, if he so desire it, shall possess and retain his buildings 
and graveyard, if any, on the hereby bargained and sold land, paying 
to the President at the rate of twelve pounds ten shillings per acre 
for the lands so retained, because of such buildings and graveyards, 
to be applied as aforesaid, and the same shall thereupon be convej^ed 



94 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

to the said (the grantor), his heirs or assigns, with his 

lots. But if the arrangements of the streets, hits, and the like will 
not convcnientl}' admit of such retention, and it shall become neces- 
sary to remoA'e such buildings, then the said (the grantor), 

his executors, administrators, or assigns, shall be paid the reasonable 
value thereof in the same manner as squares or other ground appro- 
priated for the use of the Ignited States are to be paid for. And be- 
cause it may so happen that l)v deaths or removals of the said Thomas 
Beall, of George, and John M. Gantt, and from other causes, difficul- 
ties may occur in fully perfecting the said trusts, by executing all the 
said conveyances, if no eventual provision is made, it is therefore 
agreed and covenanted between all the said parties, that the said Thomas 
Beall, of George, and John ]\1. (Jantt, or either of them, or the heirs 
of an}" of them, lawfully may, and that they, at any time, at the request 
of the President of the United States for the time being, will convey 
all or any of the said lands hereby bargained and sold, which shall not 
then have been conveyed in execution of the trusts aforesaid, to such 
person or persons as he shall appoint, in fee simple, subject to the 
trusts then remaining to be executed, and to the end that some may 
be perfected. 

And it is further granted and agreed between all tiie said parties, 
and each of the said parties doth for himself, respectively, and his 
heirs, covenant and grant to and with the others of them, that he and 
they shall and will, if re(]uired by the President of the United States 
for the time ]>eing, join in and execute any further deed or deeds for 
carrying into etfect the trusts, purposes, and true intent of this present 
deed. In witness whereof the parties to these presents have hereunto 
set their hands and affixed their seals the day and year lirst above 
written. 

Signed by the grantor. 

. [seal.] 

Signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of — 



All the residue of the lands lying within the bounds of the city 
were, l)v an act of the legislature of Maryland, passed on or about the 
19th of December, 1701, vested in the same trustees, and subjected to 
the same trusts. 



Appendix 12. 

Georgetown, Septemher 9, 1791. 
Sir: We have agreed that the Federal District shall be called ''The 
Territory of Columbia," and the Federal City the ''city of Washing- 
ton." The title of the map will, therefore, be, "A Map of the City of 
Washington in the Territory of Columbia." 



GOVEENMENT OF THE DISTEICT OF COLUMBIA. 95 

We have also ao^reed that the streets be named alphabetical!}^ one 
way and numerically the other, the former to be divided into north 
and south, and the latter into east and west numbers from the Capitol. 
Major Ellicott, with proper assistance, will immediately take, and 
soon furnish you with, the sounding-s of the Eastern Brunch, to be 
inserted in the map. We expect he will also furnish you with the 
proposed post road, which we wish to be noticed in the map. 
We are, respectful!}^, 3^ours, 

Thomas Johnson. 
Dami) Stuart. 
Daniel Carroll. 
To Major L'Enfant. 



Appendix 13. 
act of maryland ratifying the cession. 

AN ACT Concerning tlie Territory of Coluinl)ia and the city of Washington. 

[Passed December 19, 1791.] 

Whereas the President of the United States, by virtue of several 
acts of Congress, and acts of the assemblies of Maryland and Virginia, 
by his proclamation, dated at Georgetown on the thirtieth day of 
March, seventeen hundred and ninety -one, did declare and make known 
that the whole of the territory of ten miles square, for the permanent 
seat of government of the United States, shall be located and included 
within the four lines following, that is to say: Beginning at Jones 
Point, being the upper point of Hunting Creek, in Virginia, and at an 
angle at the outset forty-five degrees west of north, and running a 
direct line ten miles for the first line; then beginning again at the 
same Jones Point and running another direct line at a right angle with 
the first across the Potomac ten miles for the second line; then from 
the terminations of the said first and second lines running two other 
direct lines ten miles each, the one across the Eastern Branch and the 
other Potomac, and meeting each other in a point, which has since 
been called the Territoiy of Cohunbia; and. 

Whereas Notley Young, Daniel Carroll, of Duddington, and many 
others, proprietors of the greater part of the land hereinafter men- 
tioned to have been laid out in a city, came into an agreement, and have 
conveyed their lands in trust to Thomas Beall, son of George, and John 
Mackall Gantt, whereb}^ they have subjected their lands to be laid out 
as a city, given up part to the United States, and subjected other parts 
to be sold to raise money as a donation to be employed according to 
the act of Congress for establishing the temporary and permanent 
seat of the Government of the United States, under and upon the 
terms and conditions contained in each of the said deeds; and many of 



96 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTEICT OF COLUMBIA. 

the proprietors of lots in Carrollsburg- and Hriraburg have also c-ome 
into an agreement, sul)jecting their lots to be laid out anew, giving up 
one-half of the quantity thereof to be sold, and the money thence aris- 
ing to be applied as a donation as aforesaid, and they to be reinstated 
in one-half of the quantity of their lots in the new location, or other- 
wise compensated in land in a different situation within the city, by 
agreement l)etween the Commissioners and them, and in case of disa- 
greement, that then a just and full compensation shal\ be made in 
money; yet some of the proprietors in Carrolls])urg and Hamburg, as 
well as some of the proprietors of other lands, have not, from imbecil- 
ity and other causes, come into an}' agreement concerning their lands 
within the limits hereinafter mentioned, Init a very great number of 
the landholders having agreed on the same terms, the President of the 
United States directed a cit}^ to be laid out comprehending all the lands 
beginning on the east side of Rock Creek, at a stone standing in the 
middle of the road leading from Georgetown to Bladensburgh; thence 
along the middle of the said road to a stone standing on the east side 
of the Reed}" Branch of Goose Creek; thence southeasterly, making 
an angle of sixty-one degrees and twenty minutes with the meridian, to a 
stone standing in the road leading from Bladensburgh to the Eastern 
Branch ferr}'; then south to a stone ninet}" poles north of the east and 
west line already drawn from the mouth of Goose Creek to the Eastern 
Branch; then east, parallel to the said east and west line, to the Eastern 
Branch; then with the waters of the Eastern Branch, Potomac River, 
and Rock Creek to the beginning, which has since been called the City 
of Washington; and 

Whereas it appears to this general assembly highly just and expe- 
dient that all the lands within the said city should contribute, in due 
proportion, in the means which have already greatly enhanced the 
value of the whole; that an incontrovertilile title ought to be made to 
the purchasers, under public sanction; that allowing foreigners to hold 
land within the said territory will greatly contril)ute to the improve- 
ment and population thereof; and that many temporary provisions 
will be necessaiy till Congress exercise the jurisdiction and govern- 
ment over the said territory; and 

\Miereas in the cession of this State, heretofore made, of territory 
for the Government of the United vStates, the lines of such cession 
could not be particularly designated; and it being expedient and proper 
that the same should be recognized in the acts of this State — 

2. Be it enacted ly the General AssemlJy of Maryland^ That all that 
part of the said territory called Columbia which lies within the limits 
of this State shall be, and the same is hereby, acknowledged to be for- 
ever ceded and relinquished to the Congress and Government of the 
United States, and full and al)solute right and exclusive jurisdiction, 
as well of soil as of persons residing or to reside thereon, pursuant to 



GOVEKJS^MENT OF THE DISTKICT OF COLUMBIA. 97 

the tenor and etifect of the eighth section of the first article of the Con- 
stitution of Government of the United States: Provided^ That nothing 
herein contained shall be so construed to vest in the United States any 
right of property in the soil as to affect the rights of individuals 
therein, otherwise than the same shall or may be transferred by such 
individuals to the United States: And provided, a 1 1<()^ That the juris- 
diction of the laws of this State over the persons and property of indi- 
viduals residing within the limits of the cession aforesaid shall not 
cease or determine until Congress shall, ])y law, ]:)rovide for the gov- 
ernment thereof, under their jurisdiction, in manner provided by the 
article of the Constitution before recited. 

3. And he it enacted. That all the lands belonging to minors, persons 
al>sent out of the State, married women, or persons non compos men- 
tis, or the lands the pro]3erty of this State, within the limits of Car- 
rollsburg and Hamburg, shall l)e and are hereb}^ subjected to the terms 
and conditions hereinbefore recited, as to the lots where the proprie- 
tors thereof lia\'e agreed concerning the same; and all the other lands, 
belonging as aforesaid, within the limits of the said city of Washing- 
ton, shall be, and are hereby, subjected to the same terms and condi- 
tions as the said Notley Young, Daniel Carroll, of Duddington, and 
others, have, b}- their said agreements and deeds,' subjected their lands 
to, and where no conveyances have been made, the legal estate and 
trust arc hereby invested in the said Thomas Beall, son of George, 
and John Mackall Gantt, in the same manner as if each proprietor had 
been competent to make, and had made a legal conve3'ance of his or 
her land, according to the form of those alread}^ mentioned, with proper 
acknowledgments of the execution thereof, and where necessary, of 
release of dower, and in every case where the proprietor is an infant, 
a married woman, insane, absent out of the State, or shall not attend 
on three months' advertisement of notice in the Maryland Journal 
and Baltimore Advertiser, the Marvland Herald, and in the Georoe- 
town and Alexandria papers, so that allotment can not take place by 
agreement, the commissioners, aforesaid, or any two of them, may allot 
or assign the portion or share of such pipprietor as near the old situ- 
ation as may be, in Carrollsburg and Hamburg, and to the full value 
of what the partv might claim under the terms before recited; and 
as to the other lands within the said city, the commissioners aforesaid, 
or any two of them, shall make such allotment and assignment, within 
the lands belonging to the same person, in alternate lots, determined 
by lot or ballot, whether the party shall begin with the lowest number: 
PTOvided, That in the cases of coverture and infancy, if the husband, 
guardian, or next friend will agree with the commissioners, or any 
two of them, then an effectual division mti}^ be made by consent; and 
in case of contrary claims, if the claimants will not jointl}-^ agree, the 
commissioners may proceed as if the proprietor was absent; and all 
1424S— u;3 7 



98 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

persons to whom allotments and assignments of lands shall be made by 
the commissioners, or any two of them, on consent and aoreement, or 
pursuant to this act without consent, shall hold the same m then- 
former estate and interest, and in lieu of their former .piantity, and 
subject in every respect to all such limitations, conditions, and incum- 
brances as theiV former estate and interest, and in licni of their former 
quantity, and subject in every respect to all such limitations, condi- 
tions, iiicumbranccs as their former estates and interests were subject 
to, and as if the sanu- had ])een actually reconveyed pursuant to the 

said deed in trust. 

4 bid hr if ,nuiririK That where the proprietor or proi)rietors, pos- 
sessor or possessors, of any lands within the lin.its of the city of 
Washino-ton, or within the limits of Carrollsburg or Hamburg, who 
have not already, or who shall not, within tliree months bt this act, 
execute deeds in trust to the aforesaid Thomas Rcall and John M. 
Gantt, of all their laud within the limits of the said city of Washing- 
ton and on the terms and conditions mentioned in the deeds already 
executed bv Notlev Young and others, and execute deeds ui trust to 
the said Thomas Heall and John ^\. (^antt of all their lots in the 
towns of CarroUsburg and Hamburg on tlu^ same tvrms and condi- 
tions contained in the deeds already executed by the greater part ot 
the proprietors of h.ts in tlie said towns, the said c-onnnissionei^, or 
any two of them, shall and may, at any time or times thereafter, issue 
a process, directed to the sherid of Prince Georges County com- 
mandinu- him. in the name of the State, to summon five good substan- 
tial freSiolders, who are not of kin to any proprietor or proprietors 
of the lands aforesaid, and who are not proprietors themselves, to 
meet on a <n^rtain dav, and at a. certain place within the limits ot 
the said citv, to in<,uire of the value of the estate of suc-h proprietor 
or proprietors, possessor or possessors, on which chiy and place 
the said sheriff shall attend, with the freeholders by him summoned, 
which freeholders shall take the following oath, or affirmation, on the 
land to be by them valued, to wit: ^1, A. B.,'do solemnly swear (or 
affirm) that 1 will, to the V)est of my judgment, value the lands ot C . I), 
now to be valued so as to do equal right and justice to the said U D. 
and to the public, taking into consideration all circumstances, and- 
shall then proceed to value the said lands; and such valuation, under 
their hands and seals an<l under the hand and seal of the «^i^ «^«;^f ' 
shall be annexed to the said process and returned by the sheriff to he 
clerk appointed by virtue of this act, who shall make record ot the 
same, and the said lands shall, on the payment of such yaluation, be 
and is hereby vested in the said commissioners intrust, to be disposed 
of by them" or otherwise employed to the use of the said city ot 
Washino-ton; and the sheriff' aforesaid and freeholders atoresaid shall 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTEICT OF COLUMBIA. 99 

be allowed the same fees for their trouble as are allowed to a sheriff 
and juryman in executing- a writ of inquiry; and in all cases where 
the proprietor or possessor is tenant in right of dower or by the 
courtesy the freeholders aforesaid shall ascertain the annual value of 
the lands and the gross value of such estate therein, and upon 'pay- 
ing such gross value or securing to the possessor the payment of the 
annual valuation, at the option of the proprietor or possessor, the 
connnissioners shall be and are hereby vested with the whole estate of 
such tenant, in manner and for the uses and purposes aforesaid. 

5. And he It enacted, That all the squares, lots, and parcels of land 
within the said cit}^ which have been or shall be appropriated for the 
use of the United kStates, and all the lots and parcels which have been 
or shall be sold to raise money as a donation as aforesaid shall remain 
and be to the purchasers, according to the terms and conditions of 
their respective purchase; and purchases and leases from private per- 
sons claiming to be proprietors, and having, or those under whom they 
claim having, been in the possession of the lands purchased or leased, 
in their own right, five whole years next before the passing of this 
act. shall be good and effectual for the estate, and on the terms and 
conditions of such purchases and leases, respectively, without impeach- 
ment, and against an}' contrary title now existing; but if an}' person 
hath made a conveyance, or shall make a conveyance or lease, of any 
lands within the said city, not having right and title to do so, the per- 
son who might 1)e entitled to recover the land under a contrary title 
now existing may, either l)y way of ejectment against the tenant or 
in an action for money had and received for his use against the bar- 
gainer or lessor, his heirs, executors, administrators, or devisees, as 
the case may require, recover all money received })y him for the 
squares, pieces, or parcels appropriated for the use of the United 
States, as well as for lots or parcels sold and rents received Ijy the 
person not having title as aforesaid, with interest from the time of 
receipt; and, on such recovery in ejectment, where the land is in lease, 
the tenant shall thereafter hold under, and pay the rent reserved to, 
the person making title to and recovering the land; l)ut the possession 
bona fide acquired in none of the said cases shall be changed. 

6. And he it enacted^ That any foreigner may, by deed or will here- 
after to be made, take jind hold lands within that part of the said terri- 
tory which lies within this State in the same manner as if he were a 
citizen of this State; and the same lands may be conveyed by him, and 
transmitted to, and inherited by his heirs or relations, as if he and 
they were citizens of this State; provided that no foreigner shall, in 
virtue hereof, be entitled to any further or oth(M' })rivilegeof a citizen. 

7. A7id he it enacted, That the said commissioners, or any two of 



100 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

them, may appoint a clerk for recording deeds of land Avithin the said 
territory, who shall })rovidea proper book for the purpose, and therein 
record, in a sti'ong", legible hand, all deeds duly acknowledged, of lands 
in the said territory, delivered to him to be recorded, and in the same 
book make due entries of all divisions and allotments of lands and lots 
made by the commissioners in |)ursuance of this act, and certiticates 
granted by them of sales, and the purchase money liaA'in^' been paid, 
with a proper alphabet in the same hook of the deeds and entries 
aforesaid; and the sanie hook shall carefully preserve and deliver over 
to the connnissioners af()r(\said, or their successors, or such person or 
persons as Congress shall hereafter ap})oint, which clerk shall continue 
such during good behaviour, and sliall he removabh^ only on a convic- 
tion of mislx'haviour in a court of law; hut hefore he acts as such he 
shall take an oath or affirmation \vell and truly to execute his oifice, 
and he shall he entitled to the same fees as are or may he allowed to 
the clerks of tlu» coimty courts for sciirches. copying, and ri'cording. 

8. And 1>( if tinicti'd^ That acknowledgments of deeds made beforea 
person in the manner and certified as the laws of this State direct, 
or made hefor(\ and certitied hy, eithei- of the conuiiissioners shall ho 
effectual; tmd that no deed hereafter to he made, of or for lands 
within that part of the said territory which lies within this State, shall 
operate as a legal conv(\vance, noi' shall any \(wr^(^ for more than seven 
years he etlectual. unless the deed shall ha\"(^ heeii acknowledged as 
aforesaid. ;uid deli\ei'ed to the said chn-k to he recoi-ded within six 
calendar months from the datc^ thereof. 

I). And hr It iiKictcd, That the connnissionei's aforesaid, oi* som(> two 
of them, shall direct :ni enti'v to be made in the said record hook of 
every allotment and assignment to th(^ respiM-tive ])i-opi-i(^tors in pur- 
suance of this act. 

10. And for the encourau'cment of mastiM' huildei's to undertake the 
building' and linishinu- houses within the said cit\' 1)v securing to them 
a just and eti'ectual remiMly foi- theii' ad\ances and eai'nings, Be it 
enacted, That for all siuns du(^ and o^ving on written contracts for the 
building an\' house in the said city, or the brickwork or carpenters' or 
joiners' work thereon, th(^ undertaker or workmen employed by the 
person for whose use the house shall he l)uilt shall have a lien on the 
house and the ground on which the same is erected, as well as for 
the materials found hy him: Pfneidi'd, The said written contract shall 
have l)een acknowledged hefore one of the commissioners, a justice of 
the peace, or an alderman of the corporation of Georgetown and 
recorded in the office of the clerk for recording deeds, herein created, 
within six calendar months from the time of acknowledgment as afore- 
said, and if within two vears after the last of the work is done he pro- 
ceeds in equity he shall have as upon a mortgage, or if he proceeds at 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTKICT OE COLUMBIA. 101 

law within the same time he may have execution against the house and 
land, in whose hands soever the same may be; ])ut this remedy shall 
be considered as additional only, nor shall, as to the land, take place 
of any legal incund)rance made prior to the commencement of such 
claim. 

11. And he it enacted^ That the treasurer of the western shore be 
empowered and re([uirod to pay the seventy-two thousand dollai's 
ao-reed to be advanced to the President bv resolutions of the last ses- 
sions of assem])ly, in sums as the same may come to his hands on the 
appointed funds, witliout waiting for the day appointed for the pay- 
ment thereof. 

12. And he it emirted^ That the CV)nnDissioncrs aforesaid for the time 
being, or any two of them, shall from time to time, until Congress 
shall exercise the jurisdiction and government within the said Terri- 
tory, have power to license the building of wharves in the waters of 
the Potomac and tiu^ Eastern Branch, adjoining the said city, of the 
materials, in the manner and of the extent they may judge durable, 
convenient, and agreeing with the general order; but no license shall 
be granted to one to build a wharf before th(^ land of another, nor 
shall any wharf l)e l)uilt in the waters without license as aforesaid; 
and if any wharf shall ])c built without such license, or different there- 
from, the same is hereby declared a common nuisance. They may 
also, from time to time, make regulations for the discharge and laj'ing 
of ])aHast from ships or vessels lying in the Potomac River above the 
lower line of the said Territory and Georgetown, and from ships and 
vessels lying in the Eastern Branch. They may also, from time to 
time, make regulations for landing and laying materials for liuilding 
the said city, for disposing and laying earth which may be dug out of 
the wells, cellars, and foundations and for ascertaining the thickness 
of the walls of houses, and to enforce the observance of all such regu- 
lations by appointing penalties for the breach of any one of them not 
exceeding ten pounds current money, which ma}' be recovered in the 
name of the said Commissioners, by warrant, before a justice of the 
peace, as in case of small debts, and disposed of as a donation for 
the purpose of the said act of Congress. And the said Commissioners, 
or any two of them, may grant licenses for retailing distilled spirits 
within tlu^ limits of the said city, and suspend or declare the same 
void. And if any person shall retail or sell any distilled spirits, mixed 
or unmixed, in less than ten gallons to the same person, or at the same 
time actually delivered, he or she shall forfeit for every such sale three 
pounds, to be recovered and applied as aforesaid. 

13. And he it enacted, That an act of assembly of this State to con- 
demn lands, if necessar}', for the public buildings of the United States 
be, and is hereby, repealed. 



102 GOVEENMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

ArPEND^X 14. 
AN ACT Appointiiiixthe tinu>;iiul (lirrctiim' tlu- placi' of tlif next nu'etingof Congress. 

Be it (')iacttd hy the /Seriate (tiid House of Reprexentativcs of the 
Uivited State!< of Amer/ca in Congre-'i!^ as.s'eri)7)/ed, Tha.! the session of 
Coi\o-ress next ensuiiiii" tho present shall !>(> lidi! at the city of W'ash- 
ino'ton. in the District of C\)liinil)ia. and said session shajl connncnce 
on the third Monday of November, one thousand (Moht hundred. 

Approved, May lo, isoo. (2 Stats., 85.) 



ArPENDix 15. 

JURISDICTION OF TllK UXITKD STATES. 

In the case of United States /•. dohn llaiiniioiul (('ranch's Circtiit 
Reports, \-ol. 1. pp. 15 iM)the court hcdd "that Ix^foi'c the ri^-ht of 
exclusi\-e jurisdiction absolutely vested in tlu> I'nited States, it was 
necessary, by the act of cession (ol" \'iruinia). and by (he ('iolith 
section of the lirst article of the Constitution of tln^ United States, that 
three (>vents only should hap])(Mi: First, that (he cession should be 
accepted by Cono^ress; second, that it should b(> located and di^tined; 
and third, that the district so acc(>pt(Hl, locatvHl. and d(>tined should 
become the seat of o-ovcrnment of tlu^ United States. 

"All these events had happtMu^l on the first Monday of December, 
1800, l)einii' the day a])j)ointcd l)y law for tlu^ r(^moval of the seat of 
governuKMit. On that day. (licr(d"or(\ all the })r(diminary events hav- 
ino- happened, the District of Uolund)ia bccannMi\sted in tlie C/On_oTess 
and (lONernment of tht> Unit( d States, accordinsj;- to the impressive 
words of the act of cession 'in full and absolute I'ig-ht and exclusive 
jurisdiction as well of soil as of jxtsohs r(>sidinL;" or to rcsid(> ther(M)n.'''" 



Appendix 1(3. 

[Uonso Report No. Ji'J"-". 'rwoiity-uintli ( 'onsri'ss, first session.] 

liETKOCESSlON OF ALEXAXDUIA TO NTKUINIA. 

[To iU'eoiiipaiiy H. I\. No. 'JoiX] 

On February 25, ISli!. Mr. Hunter, fi'om the Uonnnittee for the 
District of Coluud)ia. made th(^ foUowino- report: 

The committee to whom \\;is i-cferred the petition of man}- citizens 
of the town and county of Alexandria for the retrocession of (he por- 
tion of tln^ District of Uoluml)ia south of the Potomac ha\ e considered 
the same, and report: 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMIilA. 103 

That the}" have come to the conclusion that there is much in the 
petition to conunend itself to the favor of Congress. 

The portion of the District of Columbia south of the l\)tt)mac con- 
stitutes about one-third of its area, and u]) lo this time has not been 
used for the public buildings or grounds necessary for the seat of 
g'overnment. 

The experience of more thtui forty years seems to have demonstrated 
thiit (he cession of the county and town of Alexandria was imnecessary 
for any of the purposes of a seat of government, mischievous to the 
interest of the District at hirge, and especially injurious to the [)eople 
of that portion ^vhich was ceded by Virginia. One of the gn^at objects 
in removing the seat of government to a district under the exclusive 
legislation of Congress was to secure the persons and deliberations of 
the members of the General Government from open violence or lawless 
intrusions. 

Your committee can see no reason wliy this object may not be as 
well secured by confining the District to two-thirds of its present 
extent as by eml)racing the whole within its area. Within the por- 
tion of the District on the north sid-,^ of the Potomac Kiver there is 
much more than space enough for all the public gi'ounds and buildings 
ever likely to be necessary for the seat of government. Beyond this 
quantity every addition of territory to be embraced within the exclu- 
sive legislation of Congress is not only unnecessarv but makes a use- 
less diversion of its time and attention from the great objects of 
general legislation to tlu^ discharge of the duties of a petty local legis- 
lation, for which it is unfitted. In th(^ District itself this luiion of the 
counties of Washington and Alexandi'ia has l)een the source of much 
mischief. 

At the time of the cession of this District, the counties of Washing- 
ton and Alexandi'ia wovo left under the operation of the laws of the 
States of Maryland and Virginia, respectively, except so far as they 
might be altered l»y the subsequent legislation of Congress. Within 
the limits of the ten miles square we hav(> thus had two people sepa- 
rated b}' a broad river, and under the operation of ditl'erent codes of 
laws. It has been so difficult to harmonize the legislation of Congress 
with these two ditTerent codes, and that l)ody has had so little time to 
bestow on this work, that but little has been done toward amending 
their codes, or toward ]>lacing the District under one general system 
of laws. The difficulty of harmonizing its legislation with both codes 
has hitherto prevented Congress from making many most necessary 
alterations in either. It is not to be conceded that these and other cir- 
cumstances ha\e always produced a degree of sectional feeling, even 
in this small Disti'ict, which would scarcely have Ixnm expected by 
those who had not examined into the causes of their dissensions. It 
would be possible, perhaps, with nmch more time and lal)or than Con- 
gress will ever have to l)estow on this subject to sut)stitute a general 



^ 



104 GOVERNMENT OF THE UlSTKICT oF COLUMBIA. 

code for the different .^^ysteiiLs of law, Imt the diffieulties in the way of 
this wt)rk would be far oTcat(M- than would attend the amendment of 
citlun- one of the systems considered separately. Nor is it likely that 
Cono-rcss will ever have the time to bestowoii work of so much labor. 

Hut if this werc^ accomplishiHl, there is a still niori^ ptM-manent cause 
of jealousy subsistiuij;- between the two parties of the District of 
Cohunbia. 

All the disbursements o-rowino- out of the location of the seat of 
o-overnment are made wdthin tht^ county of ^^'ashin^■ton, and of nc>ces- 
sity must contimic to be so ma(U\ 

This has been and will continue to b(> a source^ of jealousy and divi- 
sion between the counties of the District. Had the District submitted 
to the exclusive Ico-islation of Congress, been conlined to either county, 
it is probable that Cono-ress would have been able to ha\ e dischari>\d 
to a far gTeater extent the duties of a local Icoislature. and with a far 
less expenditure^ of time and money than has becMi wasted on the hith- 
erto vain attcMupt to attain that object. The present condition of (he 
laws in the District of Columbia is such as should excite a strono- sym- 
pathy for its people, and would reflect some discredit on our leo-isla- 
tion if it were not obvious that the difference in the systems ami the 
local jealousies of the two counti(^s have interposed dillicvdties which 
it required move iliuo to surmount than Con^'ress have cvcm' had to 
bestow upon the subject. The ])eopl(^ of tlu' county and town of Alex- 
andria have bc(Mi subjected not oidy to their full share of those evils 
which affect the District generally, but they have enjoyed none of 
these benefits which serve to mitigate their disachantages in the county 
of Washington. The advantages which How from the location of the 
seat of government are almost entirely conlined to the latter county, 
whose peo])h\ as far as your connuittee are adxised, are entirtdy con- 
tent to remain under the exclusive legislation of (V)ngi"ess. 

Hut the people of the county and town of Alexandria, who enjoy 
few of those advantages, are, as your connnitt(>e believe, justly impa- 
tient of a state of things which subjects thiMU noi only to all t!ie evils 
of inethciiMit legislation, I)ut also to political disfi-anchiseinent. To 
enlarge on the innncMrse \alu(> of the elective franchise would be 
unnecessary bcd'oi'c an American Congress or in the present state of 
public oi)inion. The condition of thousands of our fellow-citizens 
who, without any eciuivalent, if e(iuivalent theri^ could be, are thus 
denied a vot(5 in the local or general legislation I)y which they are 
governed, who to a great extent are under the opcM-ation of old English 
and Virginia statut(\s long since repealed in tlu^ counties whei'e they 
originated, and ^vhos^> sons are cut off from many of tlu^ most highly 
valued pri\ileges of life, except upon the condition of leaving the soil 
of their l)ii'th, is such as must deeply move the sympathies of those 
who enjoy those rights themselves and regard them as inestimable. 
Your committee believe that it would be dillicult to measure the full 



GOVERNMENT OF THE UISTKICT OF COLUMBIA. TOT) 

extent ol' the deprossiiio- ('lloct which these, eiivunistance.s have hud 
upon the o'l'owth and prosperity of the people of the town and county 
of Alexandria. Wiien we eonij)an^ their present condition with that 
which (heir natural advanta^-es would seem to havi> promised, we are 
constrained to believe that there is somethiiio- iu their political state 
which must have marred the beneticent desio-u of nature. 

Upon a full view of all these considerations, your committee are of 
opinion tiiat the interest of the General Govei-unuMit, of the whole 
District of Columbia, and particularly of th(> people of the coin\ty 
and town of Alexandria, would be promotetl by a retrocession of that 
county to tlu^ State of Viro-inia, whose g-oneral assembly have signilied 
their asscMd to llu> act by a law passed with the unanimous vote of 
both houses. 

It has been alleged, it is true, that Congress has no power to pass 
such an act — upon the grounds which your committet> have examnied, 
and believe to be entircdy insufficient. This objection rests mainly 
upon the assumption that the power in relation to the location of the 
seat of o\)vernment, and tiie extent of the district given in the seven- 
teenth clause of the eighth section and tirst article of the Constitution, 
lias been executed and exhausted — a construction not wjirranted, as we 
believe, by (he his(ory or context of the clause in (pu'stion. nor by (he 
general spirit of (he instrument iu which it is contained. There is no 
more reason (o belicn'e that (he })ow(M' in (his case, when once exer- 
cised and executed, is exhausted than in any other of the long list of 
enumerated powers to which it belongs, and which it is provided that 
Congress ' 'shall have." 

The phraseology of the grant is the same, and as nuich reason seems 
to exist for the continuance of the right to exercise this power as in 
most of those contained in the list to which we have referred. If this 
construction be triu\ when Congress had once fixed th(^ seat of gov- 
ermnent it could no move l)e removed, although it should pi'ove to be 
laisafo from foreign invasion or so unhealthy as to endanger the lives 
of the memliers of the (TO\'ernment, or so loc;ited as to b(^ inconsist- 
ent with a due regard to the facilities of access to our whole popula- 
tion or to their conxcMiience; and yet it is manif(>st that some of these 
considerations might make the removal of the seat of government a 
matter of necessity. To have excluded the conclusion that the f ramers 
of the Constitution had regarded considerations so manifest and rea- 
sonal)l(\ (here nuist have been terms so precise and accurate as to have 
left no doubt of (heir intention to make the act irrevocable wIhmi the 
power was onc(> exercised. As some proof that the f ramers of the 
Constitution did not overlook these considerations, we may advert to 
the fact that Mr. Madison moved to strike out the word "iiermanent" 
from the act establishino- the seat of p'overnment because the Consti- 
tution did not contain it. Nor is this the only dilHculty involved by 
this construction; the same section gives a like power relative to forts 



106 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

and arsenals. And, contrary to reason and tlic usage of Congress, 
this power when once exercised would be thus considered as executed 
and exhausted. 

The true construction of this clause of the Constitution w^ould seem 
to be that Congress may retain ;nid exercise exclusive jurisdiction 
over a district not exceeding 10 miles square; and whether those 
limits may cnhirge or diminish that district, or change the sit(\ upon 
considerations relating to the seat of g-overnment, and connected with 
the wants for that purpose; the limitntion upon tluur powcM' in this 
respect is that they shall not hold more than lo miles s((uare for this 
purpose; and the end is to attain what is desirable in relation to the 
seat of government. This construction is consistent w^ith the phrase- 
ology of the Constitution, with the reasons for granting such a power, 
and not inconsistent Avith the reserved powtu's of the States. It saves 
the Government, too, from g-reat and manifold inconveniences to 
which it would be exposed upon any other interpretation of the clause 
in question. Congress might, under this clause, have taken a district 
less than 1(» miles squar(>; and if this had been found insulHcient, there 
can be no doul)t l)ut that it might have added as nmch mor(> by cession 
from a State as was necessary for the ))ui'))oscs of a seat of govern- 
ment. If it had taken more originally than was necessary for those 
purposes, there would seem to be as little doubi bul that they might 
relinquish the surplus. If it may remove the site of its exclusive 
legislation from the Potomac to the ]\Iississipi)i it would seem to be 
clear that they might i-emove that site from tlu^ boundaries of Alex- 
andria County to the north bank of the Potomac. 

But, it has !)een asked, ])y what clause of the ( ■onstitution could 
Congress transfer the disti'ict thus abandoned to the h^gislation of any 
State; and if there be none, is it not a fatal objection to the construc- 
tion given by us to the claus(> in dispute — that tlie people of the 
district thus relincjuishcd would l)e left without any government 
whatever^ Different minds attending to the system of constitutional 
construction to which tlu\v inclin(>d hav(^ derived this power from 
different clauses of the Constitution. Some think that the power of 
the General Government to cede in such a case is to be derived from 
the power of "exclusive legislation'' given by the Constitution. 
Some, too, derive this power from that "'to dispose of, and make all 
needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other prop- 
erty belonging to the United States." Others, again, hold that the 
right to exercise exclusive legislation in this case is a qualified right, 
and determines when the seat of government is removed. Those who 
hold this opinion maintain that when this right determines, the jurisdic- 
tion reverts to the ceding State, who, by the very terms of the Consti- 
tution, could only have ceded the right of exclusive legislation to the 
District while it remained the scat of government. Your committee 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OB^ COLUMBIA. 107 

think there is much of truth in this last opinion. For it is only by 
this t'onstruction that tlic scat of govcrrunent can he removed by the 
Federal authorities, without not only the assent of the States who cede 
the new site, but also of those who have given the old. This would 
enable either the State of Maryland or Virginia to prevent the removal 
of the seat of government, although demanded by every other State 
in the Union. For c\ (mi those who derive the power from the two 
sources first named could not maintain that consistently with good 
faith; w^e could cede away to other States territory not contiguous to 
them, but contiguous to Virginia and Maryland, and ceded by them 
for a consideration, which failed the moment that the seat of govern- 
ment was removed. 

Upon the last construction as to the relative rights of the parties 
no such inconvenience could be experienced. We might remove the 
seat of government without the consent of Virginia and Maryland, if 
a majority of the people and States desired it, without leaving the 
abandoned District beyond the pale of all government, and without 
violating the provision of the Constitution which limits the right of 
Congress to exclusive legislation to 10 miles square. Under this view 
of the clause in question, the jurisdiction over the county of Alexan- 
dria would revert to Virginia upon the withdrawal of the right of 
exclusive legislation over it, by confining the seat of government to 
the portion of the district north of the Potomac River. I^ut, in any 
view of the case, an act of retrocession would be proper, as it would 
be conferring a right on Virginia which would be necessarv in the 
opinion of some, or (dse acknowledging a right already existing, after 
the withdrawal of our jurisdiction, in the opinion of others. The 
grant would ho necessary accoi'ding to the one opinion, and the 
acknowledgment of light would be salutary even upon the grounds 
assumed by others. One otlun- objection to the act of retrocession 
remains to be considered. The act of Congress establishing the pres- 
ent seat of government characterized it as permanent. It has l)een 
maintained that its site could not be removed or changed without the 
assent of i)oth Virginia and Maryland, except by a l)reach of faith 
toward these States. It might be replied that this word '* pcn-manent" 
meant only an indefinite period; that it was designed merely to require 
the removal to be made by law, and not by resolution of the two 
Houses; or it might be well said that Congress could not, by contract, 
part with a power reposed in them by the Constitution for wise pur- 
poses; but in point of fact, the history of the transaction does not sus- 
tain this view of the contract. 

Neither Virginia nor Marylaml, by their acts of cession, made the 
permanence of the seat of government a condition of the grant. 
Nor is there anything in the acts of cession or the circumstances 
attending them to sanction the idea which has been expressed, that it 



108 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

was a contract between the United States and the States of Vii-ginia 
and Maryland jointly, and thus that good faith would require the 
assent of both States to a retrocession to either. A reference to these 
acts will show that each State contracted, for itself only, with the Gen- 
eral Government, and did not contemplate the action of any other 
State as necessarily connected with its own. Tliis is conclusively 
proved by the fact that each State oHered to cede tlio whole of the 10 
miles square, and thus clearly contemplated the case in which the 
United States and itself might be the oidy parties to the contract. 
The acts of Virginia and Maryland were passed at difierent times and 
without the least reference to each other. Upon all these ^iews as to 
the propriety and right of retroceding to Virginia all that portion of 
the District of Columbia originally ceded by her to the United States, 
your committee have 1)een induced to repoi't a bill, which is respect- 
fully submitted. 

MEMORIAL OF THP: C03IMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF ALEXANDRIA FOR 

RETROCESSION. 

The committee appointed l)y the common council of Alexandria to 
attend to the interests of the town before Congress, and especially to 
urge upon that body the su])j<^ct of retrocession, beg leave respectfully 
to submit to the honorable chairman and members of the District 
Committee of the House of Representativ(\s some of the considerations 
which impel them greatly to desire to r(>turn to tlie State of Virginia, 
from which, in an wW hour, they were separated. We maintain that 
/ all government (politically considered) but self-government is l)ad, and 
/ that without some radical change, time, instead of making a bad gov- 
/ ernment l)etter, will make it worse; that whatever power is exercised 
ind(>pendently of the will of the people, ex]ii-essed individually or 
through their representati\'es, is a despotism. When we remind the 
committee that we an^ a disfranchised people, deprived of all those 
political rights and j)ri\i leges so dear to an American citizen', and the-" 
possession of which is so well calculated to ele\'ate and dignify the 
human character; that the exclusive jurisdiction which Congress pos- 
i sesses over us. however wisely and moderately exercised, is a despot- 
ism, we are almost inclined to say nothing more, as we can not doubt 
■^ but that our feelings, under such circumstances, will meet with the 
ready sym]iathy of every memlier of Congress. Regardless of these 
evils we should l)e willing to continue in this state of vassalage, and 
sacrifice ourselves for the good of our country, could we perceive any 
substantial benefit resulting therefrom to the rest of the Union. 

The citizens of Alexandria are as strongly influenced as the citizens 
of any of the States (we say not fellow-citizens, for in our degraded 
condition the term woidd ho inapplicable) by emotions of pure and 
elevated patriotism. We are convinced, however, that so far from 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 109 

being of :i(lv;nitiigc wo are a useless and even a burdensome appendai^-e 
to the General (Tovernnient. The appropriations for the support of 
the judicial S3\stcni of the District of Columl)ia have been a subject of 
serious complaint, amounting, we believe, to as much as $50,000 per 
annum. By retroceding the town and county of Alexandria this 
amount woiild be greatly diminished, and there would be a consider- 
able saving in the diminished tmie that Congress would feel it incum- 
bent on them to bestow on the affairs of the District. Our condition 
is essentially different from and far worse than that of our neighl)ors 
on the northern side of the Potomac. They are citizens of the metrop- 
olis of a great and noble republic, and wherever they go there cluster 
about them all those glorious associations connected with the progress 
and fame of their country. They are in some measure compensated 
for the loss of their political rights by benefits resulting from the large 
expenditure of public mone^y among them, and by daily intercourse 
and association with the various oiBcers of the (Jov(u-nment, and par- 
ticularly with the members of Congress. How is it with the citizens 
of Alexandria;' When they go abroad, or their sons are sent to the 
various literary institutions in the States, from a sense of their degraded 
political condition they are induced to pass themselves as citizens of 
Virginia. 

Permit us here expressly to state that in nothing we have said or 
may say do we design to cast any censure on Congress. Their good 
will we do not for a moment doubt, but are confident that the evils 
under which we labor can not be remedied otherwise than by retro- 
cession. While every State in the Union has been amending and 
improving its civil and penal codes, and none more so than Virginia, 
but few changes, and still fewer improvements, have been made in our 
laws. The laws of Virginia, as they existed on the 2Tth of Februar}^, 
1801, with some few unimportant changes, are still in force with us. 
We are j^et governed by antiquated English statutes, repealed even 
there half a century ago. Efforts have, at different periods since the 
cession of the District, been made by Congress to establish for us a 
code of laws, but each effort has proven abortne, and we doubt not that 
future efforts will, if made, share a similar fate. With a due regard 
to the interests of the constituents of each member of your honorable 
body, it is not reasonable to expect C'ongress to g-ive the time neces- 
sary to modify and reform these laws in such a manner as is necessary. 
So mongrel and complicated is our present system, so patchwork in 
its nature, that to ascertain what the law is we are in man}" cases 
compelled to resort to the revised code of Virgniia of the last century 
(now nearly out of print), to the laws of Mar^dand, and acts of Coti- 
gress, and when we have undergone this laboi- lind it difficult to evis- 
cerate from the chaotic mass the true meaning of the law. Can a peo- 
ple among whom the march of the human muid is thus impeded in 



110 GUVEKNMJiNT OF THE DISTKiCT OF COLUMBIA. 

relation to thehiohestohiects on which il ran be exercised, be expected 
to prosper — when, too, we arc surrounded by Stat(»s to whose citizens 
every passino' year brings the fruits of an ini[)r()\cHl judgment and a 
more intelligent understanding? 

By decisions of the Supreme Court, the iiduibitants of this District 
are not constitutionally entitled to many of the cix il rights of citizens 
of the States, as guaranteed to them merely because their rights are 
secured to them as being citizens of a State; tuid while an alien, a 
British su])i(M't, may sue in the Federal courts of the Union, we are 
denied the })i'i\'ileg(^ In order to obtain this right, indivichial instances 
have occurred in which our citizens have been compcdled to remove to 
one of the States. We are deprived of the elective fi'anchisc, a privi- 
lege so dear and sacrecl that we would present its deprivation in the 
strony-est lio-ht before vour honorabh^ bodv. Side b\' side with the 
trial by jui"y and the wi'it of ha))eas corpus niay ])e placed the rights 
of the ballot l)ox. It is not unworthy of the remark that while the 
principles of free govermnent are yearly extending with the rapid 
march of civilization, and thrones and dynasties are yielding to their 
iniluence, here aloiw in the 10 miles scpiare in and about tlie capital of 
this great country is there no im])r()\'ement, in) advance in ])opular 
\rights. A foreigner, on reaching some distant portion of oui- terri- 
tory, might well expect on a])})roaching the seat of government to (ind 
its inhabitants enjoying in at least an (Miual degree the fre(^ institutions 
of the coimtry. In ascertaining oui- ti'ue condition, how uiiaccountablc 
must it appear that we alone are denied them. 

However clear ourselves as to the constitutional right of Congress 
to carry out the measui-e we propose, as some doubts — not, we think, 
of a serious (;haracter -have been suggested, it is perhaps proper that 
we should, ad vert to the subject. By the seventeenth section of the 
eighth article of the Constitution of the United States, the power is 
delegated to Congress to exercise exclusive jurisdiction in all cases 
whatsoever over such district (not exceeding lo miles square) as might, 
b}' the cession of })articular States and the acceptance of Congress, 
become the seat of government. In limiting the extent of territory 
thus to be ceded to 10 miles square, it is evident that Congress was not 
tied down to that particidar quantity nor prohiljited from accepting 
any less quantity; and had it thus acted, the reciuirements of the Con- 
stitution would have been full}' answercnl. The avowed object of the 
framers of the Constitution, in giving Congress exclusive jurisdiction 
over a space of country surrounding the seat of government, was to 
protect its deliberations from disturbance and to secure its action from 
the influence of popular outbreaks. It was left, however, for Con- 
gress to determine the extent of territory, not exceeding or within the 
limits of 10 miles square, over which it might be proper to exercise 
exclusive legislation. For causes satisfactory to Congress, they thought 



G0VE11NME2{T OF THE DiSTlUCT OF COLUMBIA. ill 

jji'opcr to accc[)l llu; iiiiixiimiiii (iiiantitv jillowcd l)y tlie (!oufstituti()n; 
atul I he (|U('sli()ii now is, w lietlicr tlicy li:r;(' not tlio cli'ar and undoubted 
ri<^lit of witlidrawing their jurisdiction from so much thereof as to 
them may aj)p(':ir umiecessary and useless for the purposes of the ori^'i- 
nal cession, 'i'lie rit^lit to abandon would seem necessaril}' to follow 
the right to acquire. 

Virginia, in her act of cession, passed to the General (Tovernment 
the exclusive jurisdiction alone of that part of the Distiict of Columbia 
south of the river ]*otomac. The right of propei'tv in the soil is 
expressly reserved to the individual proprietors. Has tliis jurisdiction 
l)ecome so vested that it can not be divested, even ])y the consent of the 
contracting parties, without an amendment of the Constitution 'i Were 
this true it would, when carried out, establish that when Congress 
shall have once undertaken to exercise anv of (he other delegated 
powers, the right again to exercise such power would be forever extin- 
guished. Although the jurisdiction over tho Territory of Columl>ia 
was ceded jointly by the States of Maryland and Virginia, yet the 
assent of the former can surel}^ not be necessary to authorize th(> (len- 
eral (JovernnKMit to recede to the State of Virginia the jurisdiction 
over that j)art of tlie tcM'ritory originally ceded by that State. 

In [jarting with the jurisdiction over the town and county of Alex- 
andria, Virginia ap|)ended no condition or limitation in her act of 
cession other than the protection of the individual rights of the inhab- 
itants. The oidy im})lied restriction to the control of (-ongress in 
relinquishing such jurisdiction would be, that the object of the original 
grant should not be therein' defeated. In this view the (|uestion 
becomes one of mere expeditMu-y for Congress to determine whether 
th(; other portion of Columl)ia (to some of which the United States 
have the absolute right in the soil) would not be amply sutHcient for 
all the purposes of a seat of government. The absolute power of 
Congress to dis[)ose of the public lands can not be doubted. An 
express authority for tiiis may be found in the second section of the 
third article of the amended Constitution. It provides that — 

Congress shall have power to dispone of, and make all needful niics and i't;guIations 
respecting, the territory or (jtlici' property of the United States. 

From the latter part of the seventeenth section, al)ove referred to, 
it is evident that the })ower secured to Congress, by giving it exclusixe 
legislation over the District of Columbia, is exactly the same and 
none other than it is authorized to exercise over any other property 
of the United States; and that land granted for the erection of forts, 
for arsenals, and other purposes is not more liable to its control than 
the territory, or jurisdiction over the territory, of Colum])ia. 

If the title to property be absolute the mode of its acquisition 
is unimportant. Whether it b(> t)y gift, purchase, or conquest, it is 
still l)ut a complete tith;. Congress, by a long and uniform series of 



112 GOVJCKNMKNT <>K TIIK DISTKU'T (»!<" (X)LUMKIA. 

I(\o'i.slatioii, litis o-iv(Mi :i pniclical fonstriU'Lioii lo (li:i( j)iirl of llu> (Con- 
stitution by which it is authorized to dispose of the j)ul>lie i)i-o])erty. 
l^aiids owned hy the United States ha\'e, reoardl(>ss of the mere man- 
ner ot" acquisition, been phiced uiuh-r the excbisivc ie^'ishition of 
Cont^'ress, and appropriated t'oi' the erection of forts, ai'senals, and for 
other ])ublic uses. When ihcy eease(l to be iicc(\ssary or usid'ul to the 
Govcrnm(Mit for Ihc objects of tiie orio'inal ai)pro])riation they have 
been sold and disposed of according' to liie will of ( 'ont^i'css. 'I'he 
entire ])ower of the (ieneral (Tovei'nmcnl oNcr (he immense body of 
public domain accpiii'ed by the cession of l''loi'ida and Ijonisiana has 
nevei" beiMi doubtiMl. and that obtained l)y the recent aimcxation of 
Texas must occupy a similar footing'. In the exercise of this power 
pri\ate I'ij^hts ai'c of course I'cspectcHl. 

if, I hen. ( 'on^L^ress has the power of (lis])osin^' of territory ceded by 
a toi'cien u()\ crnmeul, can it not rtdinciuisli a jurisdiction ac(|uired 
from on(i of (he so\'ei'eii>'n Slai(\s of this Uinon^ An abandonment of 
th(^ rieht of exeJusixH' legislation by Cone-ress has been exhibiled, as 
the new Stales formed out of |>arts of the Noi'thwcsl Tcrriloi'y (also 
ceded by Vii'^inia) ha\'e one by one entered Ihc coid'edcracy. If the 
(Tovernment can not withdraw, or aL;re(> not to exercise, the i-ieh(, of 
cxclusi\-e le<^'islation oxer a leiwitory because such ri^lil lias become 
vested and has for a time been legally exercised, it mi^lil place it 
beyond the reach of Conti'ress. undei- wha(e\er emeri^ency, to ("stab- 
lish boundaries between our tci'rilory and that of other nations 
lia\ inL;' conliLi'Uous possessions. The recent location of llie north- 
eastern bi)undai'v l>y the Ashburloii treaty, with others of a sinular 
nature, shows that ('onj^ress may, by treaty, waixcand fore\(M' aban- 
don the rieht of exclusive le»i;'islation, thoueji [)re\iously possessed 
and exei'cised. 

Other instanc(\s have occurred in the lee'islation of t'ono-ress of an 
actual transfer of jurisdiction. (See xol. 1. l^aws l'. S., oTt.) \Ve 
conceive that the lej'islatui'e of Viro-inia, ])\ its actof cession. \ iiiuallv 
said to the I'lnted States, You may henc(d"orwfird exercise exclusive 
Ici^'islation oxer the town and county of iVlexandria, and that Cone-ress, 
havine- accepted the cession and iindinn" from lony experience- that the 
exercise of such jurisdiction was wholly uscdess to the ( Jencral (Jo\'ern- 
ment and i)r()ducti\e of many evils to tlu^ iidiabitants, may well deter- 
mine, with tlu^ consent of \'ii-i;inia, to restore the power thus o-ranted. 

In view, then, not only of a sound ct)nsti'uction of the (constitution, 
butalsoof the i-epeattnl and well-established usaec of t he (lo\ei-tmient, 
it would seem, at this day, to be far too late to raise any doubts about 
tlu^ powci- of Couuress to recede to the State of Virginia the jurisdic- 
tion over that portion of tlie Territory of (^olumbia whic-h lies south 
of the river l*otomac. 



GOVEENMKJST OK TJIE DISTKICT OF COLUMI5IA. 118 

For tlu'sc reason.s, aiitl lu'licviuo' that the many ^Tievaiiccs to which 
our peoph^. ai'c suhjcct can only bo rciucdicd by rcti'ocedhio' to the 
State of Virginia, wo liiinibly petition the adoption of the necessar}^ 
report and k\s;"islation proper to ofl'ectuato this end. 

All of which is respectively submitted. 

Francis L. Smith, 

RoiiKUT Rl.'OCKKTT, 
ClIAUI.KS T. Sri ART, 

C(>})imitit'e of ih<' lo'icn of Alci'diidrla, 



^Vl'l'lONDlX IT. 

ORIGIN OF (;akkollsburg and HAMUUUO. \ 

1. The property in C^ari'ollsburu- was subdivided in(o lots, streets, 
alleys, oti-., about tire latter part of 1770, by virtue and authoi-ity of 
a A('('i\ of (rust dated (lie 2d day of November, I77t». I'l'om ( 'hai'les 
Carroll, jr., to Ileniy Rozer, Daniel Carroll, and Notley Youno- (vide 
Liber A A, No. 2, i'ol. 2'.>0 et seq.). This conveyance authorizes the 
o-rantees to sid)divido '' Duddinoton Manor" and '"Duddino-lon Pas- 
ture," containing- in tlu^ aggreo-ate 100 acres of land, more or less, into 
208 lots, to sell the same (except lots to bo selected by the gnintor, 
his heirs or assigns, for his or their own pro])or use), and to draw or 
cause to bo drawn for by ballot ov lottery. This decnl is recorded on 
Noveud)er 20, 177". and tlH> j)lat, courses, and distances of the town 
are also of record in (he Land and Special Record, hnnu'diatel}^ fol- 
lowing are iiununeral)lo deeds from the abo\'(^ grantees to ditlorent 
parlies for lots in Carrollsburg, which the deeds recite ha\'ing been 
di'awn by (ho grant(M\s, respectively, in a lottery of the same. It was 
a custom apparently in those days to dispose of property by lottery. 
In my researches of the old records 1 have found se\eral such, includ- 
ing the St. Elizabeth Asylum of your city, which was drawn by an 
old sea captain. In the Elizabeth matter, as in this^r^tho owner con- 
vey(Hl the property to the trustees, Avho sold the tickets, attended the 
dra^^■ing, and (UmmKmI the prizes to the lucky ownei'. There is no men- 
tion whatever in any of (he com'o^'ancos of this Cai'i-oilsburg property 
of any contcMuplated cession to the United States. 

2. Ihunbui-g Avas survoA'od and laid off by the own(M\ Jacob Fuidc, 
and his plat recorded here October 28, 1771, in I-,ibor A A. No. 2, 
folio 398. Funk appears to have purchased the land in fee simple 
from Thomas Johns in 1765 (see deed in Liber B B, fol. 227 ot seq.), 
and to ha\ e taken out a connuission in 1770 to perpetuate the bounds 
of wddow's mite, and (hen (o have laid it off and sold it out as lots in 
Hamburg, giving the deeds to the purchasers himself. None of these 

14248— Oa 8 



114 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

deeds recite that the lots have l:)een drawn by lottery or ballot. The 
deed of trust for CarroUsbiirg is the only authority I can find for a 
lottery, but that may be explained ]»y the fact that not until 1792 did 
the statutes require a lottery to l)e specially authorized by the leg-is- 
lature of Maryland. (See acts of 1T!>2, ch. 58, sec. 1.) 

3. The title to Carrollsl)urg- was in Rozer, ('arroll, and Young, who 
deeded the same to the parties drawing the lots ])y deeds duly executed 
and recorded here. 

1. The title in Hamburg was in Jacob Funk, who deeded, etc. 

I find no act of incorporation for either of these towns in Kilty's 
Laws of Maryland, and hence infer they were never incorpoi-ated, as 
the acts incorporating other villages and towns in the State are quite 
numerous in '' Kilty's." 

Truly, yours, 

Henky P>i;()<)KE. 
UrrEU MAiiLBouo, Md., ScptiiiJh r 20^ JS7.'{. 



Al'TENDlX is. 

A fiirtlicr supplement to the act coucernini? the territory of Gohimlna 
and tlie city of \Vawhinij;ton (Lib. J (i, No. 2, folio 82). 

Certificates to Be it eiMctc'd hii ilic (fc')u-ral ((.'<K<'iiil>li/ of Maryland, That 

besufficient,<'t<'. , . -^ , " , -i i . i ' i' v i i ^i 

the certificates granted, or which ma}^ he granted, by the 
said commissioners, or any two of them, to purchasers of 
lots in the said city, with acknowledgment of the payment 
of the whole purchase money, and interest, if any shall 
have arisen thereon, and rccoi'dcd agreeabh" to the direc- 
tions of the act concerning the territory of Columbia and 
the city of Washington, shall b(^ sufiicient and efl'ectual to 
vest the legal estate in the pui'chasers, their heirs and 
assigns, according to the import of such certificates, with- 
out any deed or formal conveyance. 
On sales not jj_ ^b^^/ hc it enacted. That on sales of lots in the said 

paid, property to _ \ .11 

be again sold, q\{;j ])y {\^q v^.y^ commissionci's, ()i- any two of them, under 
terms or conditions of payment being made therefor, at 
any day or days after such contract entered into, if an}^ 
sum of the purchase mone^^ or interest shall not be paid 
for the space of thirty day s after the same ought to be paid, 
the commissioners, or any two of them, ma}^ sell the same 
lots at })ublic vendue, in the city of Washington, at any 
time after sixty days' notice of such sale, in some of the 
pu])lic newspapers of Georgetown and Baltimore town, and 
retain in their hands sufficient of the money produced by 
such new sale to satisfy all principal and interest due on 
the first contract, together with the expenses of advertise- 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 115 

ments and sale, and the original purchaser, or his assigns, 
shall be entitled to receive from the said commissioners, at 
their treasury, on demand, the balance of the money which 
may have been actuall}^ received l)y them or under their 
order on the said second sale; and all lots so sold shall be 
freed and acquitted of all claim, legal and equitable, of the 
first purchaser, his heirs and assigns. 

III. And he it enacted. That the commissioners afore- commissioners 

• 1 , £ i.\ -4- i. ' 1 £ to appoint a day, 

said, or any two ot them, may appoint a certain day toritc 
the allotment and assignment of one-half of the quantity 
of each lot of ground in Carrollsburgh and IIaml)urgh, 
not before that time divided or assigned, pursuant to the 
said act concerning the territory of Columbia and the city 
of Washington, and on notice thereof in the Annapolis, 
some one of the Baltimore, the Easton and Georgetown 
newspapers, for at least three weeks, the same commis- 
sioners may proceed to the allotment and assignment of 
ground within the said citj^, on the day appointed for that 
purpose, and therein proceed at convenient times till the 
whole be finished, as if the proprietors of such lotsnctually 
resided out of this State: Pi'ovlded, That if the proprietor 
of an}' such lot shall o])iect in person, or by writing deliv- 
ered to the commissioners, against their so proceeding as 
to his lot, before they shall have made an assignment of 
ground for the same, then thc}^ shall forbear as to such lot, 
and may proceed according to the before-mentioned act. 

IV. And he it enacted. That the said commissioners ,,^i';^/° "^''^^'^ ^ 
may make a seal of oSice of the clerk for recording deeds 

within the District of Columbia, which shall be kept b}^ 
him; and that the like fees shall be paid for and the like 
credit shall be given to certificates under that seal as to 
the like acts under the seal of a count}^ court, and the said 
clerk shall be entitled to demand and receive his fee when 
the services enjoined him by this act and. the act to which 
this is a further supplement shall be performed. 
Passed the 28th of December, 1793. 



Appendix 19. 

AN ACT providing a permanent form of government for the District of Columbia. 

Section 1. 

1. Be it enacted hy the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress asseivhledy That all the territory 
which was ceded by the State of Maryland to the Congress of the 



116 QOVEENMENT OF THE DISTRICT OE COLUMBIA. 

United States for the permanent seat of the Government of the United 
States shall continue to be desig-iuited as the District of Columbia. 

2. Said District and the property and persons that may be therein 
shall be subject to the following provisions for the government of the 
same, and also to nuy existing laws applicable thereto not hereby 
repealed or inconsistent with the provisions of this act. 

3. The District of Columbia shall remain and continue a municipal 
corporation, as provided in section two of the Revised Statutes relat- 
ing- to said District, and the Conmiissioners herein providcnl foi- shall 
be deemed and taken as othcers of such corporation. 

4. And all laws now in force I'elating to the District <^f ( Columbia 
not inconsistent with the provisions of this act shall remain in full 
force and efiect. 

Section 2. 

1. That within twenty days after the a])pi'oval of this act the Presi- 
dent of the United States, b}- and with the advice and consent of the 
Senate, is hereby authoi'ized to appoint two persons, ^vho, with an 
ofiicer of the Corps of Engineers of the United States Army, whose 
lineal rank shall l)c above that of a captain, shall be Commissioners of 
the District of Columbia. 

JOINT RESOLUTION (letiiiiiig a (luorum of tlie Hoard of Commissioners of tlie Pistricf of Columbia 

and for other purposes. 

Resolred hy the Seudic cmd House of licprrseiildthr-^ of llic Vniled Stoics of Amcvk'a in 
Congress osseinliled, Tliiit any two of the Coinmii^sioih'r^ of the IMstrirt of Columbia, 
sittin^Lj as a l)oar(l, shall constitute a quorum for the Iransactiou of business, and that 
the senior ofiicer of the Corps of Engineers of the Army who shall t'nr lh(> time being 
be detailed to act as assistant (and in case of his absence from the District or disa- 
bility, the junioi- oliicer so detailed) shall, in the event of tlie absence from the Dis- 
trict or disability of tlie Commissioner who sliall for the time being l)e detailed from 
the Corps of P^ngineers, perform all the duties imposed by law upon said Commis- 
sioner. Hereafter such Engineer Commissioner may, in the discretion of the Presi- 
dent of the United States, be detailed from among the c;iptains or oflicers of higher 
grade having served at least fifteen years in the Corps of Engineers of the Army of 
the United States. 

Approved December 24, bS90. 

2. And who, from and after J uly first, eighteen hundred and seventy- 
eight, shall exercise all the powers and authority now vested in the 
Commissioners of said District, except as are hereinafter limited or pro- 
vided, and shall be subject to all restrictions and limitations and duties 
which are now imposed upon said Commissioners. 

3. The Commissioner, who shall be an officer detailed from time to 
time from the Corps of Engineers by the President for this duty, shall 
not be required to perform any other, nor shall he receive any other 
compensation than his regular pay and allowances as an officer of the 
Army. 



GOVEENMEKT OF THE DISTKICT OF COLUMBIA. 117 

Salary of Engineer Commissioner fixed at |5,000, U. S. Stat, at L., vol. 21, p. 460. 

Hereafter the operations of the water department of the D. C. shall be under the 
direction of the Engineer' s Office of the District, subject to the control of the Com- 
missioners, vol. 22, p. 143. 

4. The two persons appointed from civil life .shall, at the time of 
their appointment, be citizens of the United States, and shall have 
been actual residents of the District of Columbia for three years next 
before their appointment, and iiave, during that period, claimed resi- 
dence nowhere else; 

5. And one of said three Commissioners shall 1)c chosen president 
of the Board of Commissioners at their first meeting, and annually and 
whenever a \'acancy shall occur thereafter; 

6. And said Commissioners shall each of them, before entering upon 
the discharge of his duties, take an oath or affirmation to support the 
Constitution of the United States, and to faithfully discharge the 
duties imposed upon him by law; 

7. And said Commissioners appointed from civil life shall each 
receive for his services a compensation at the rate of live thousand 
dollars per annum, and shall, before entering upon the duties of the 
office, each give bond in the sum of fifty thousand dollars, with surety 
as is required b}' existing law. 

8. The official term of said Commissioners appointed from civil life 
shall be three years, and until their successors are appointed and qual- 
ified; but the first appointment shall be one Commissioner for one 
3^ear and one for two years, and at the expiration of their respective 
terms their successors shall be appointed for three years. 

(Attorney General Devens I'endered an o})ini(Hi July 7, 1880, that the term of 
oflice of the Commissioners appointed from civil life is three years, and not for 
unexpired balance of their predecessor's terms.) 

9. Neither of said Commissioners, nor any officer whatsoever of the 
District of Columbia, shall be accepted as suret}^ upon any bond 
required to be given to the District of Columbia; 

10. Nor shall an}^ contractor be accepted as suret}' for an}' officer or 
other contractor in said District. 

Section 3. 

1. That as soon as the Commissioners appointed and detailed as 
aforesaid shall have taken and subscribed the oath or affirmation herein- 
before required, all the powers, rights, duties, and privileges lawfull}^ 
exercised by, and all property, estate, and eftects now vested by law 
in the Commissioners appointed under the provisions of the act of 
Congress approved June twentieth, eighteen hundred and seventy -four, 
shall be transferred to and vested in and imposed upon said Commis- 
sioners; and the functions of the Commissioners so appointed under 



118 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

the act of fluiu; twentieth, eighteen iiundrcd iind seventy-four, shall 
cease and determine. I 

2. And the Commissionin's of the District of C'olunil)ia shall have 
power, subject to tiie limitations and ])ro\isi()iis herein contained, to 
a})])ly the taxes and other reNcmies of said District to the paynuMit of 
the current e\])enses tiiereof. (o (he support of the ])ul)!ic schools, the 
tire department and the police, and for that purpose shall take posses- 
sion and supervision of all the olliees, hooks, papers. I'ecords. mon(\vs, 
credits, securit-i(>s, assets, and accounts h(don_n"ini;' or appertaining" to 
th(> ])usinessor intei'cstsof the oovernmcid of the District of Coluujbia, 
an<l (^xercise the duties, ])o\vers. and authority aforesaid; 

CoimiUHsiouerH of (lie District t>{ ('i)luinl)ia — 

expenditures of, not to exct-ed ;ij)]>roi>ri;itioiiH, \ol. 22, p. 170. 

shall not make rc(|uisitioiisoii V . S. I'oi' i^'rcatcr suihh than on I'cxciiiU's I'l-oni D. C, 

vol. 22, \K -171. 
duties of, ri'spei'tiiii: " low grounds '" transferred to Secri'tary Interior, v<ii. 21, 

p. 47. 
shall not make re(iuisition on the F. S. Treasury for a larger amount than from 

the revenues of the 1>. ('. vol. 2it, j). (184. 

8. Rut said ( 'onnnissioners. in the exercis(M)f such duties, powers, 
and authority, shall make no contract, nor incur any (»l)lio-ation otlun- 
than such contracts and ohlioations as are hereinafter |)ro\ided for and 
shall be approved by Coni»'r(^ss. 

4. 'rh(> Conuuissioners shall ha\e ])o\ver to locate the ])laces wluu'e 
hacks shall stand and chane-e them as often as the [)id)lic interests 
rcMjuire. 

5. Any j)erson \iolatino- ;uiy orders lawfully made in pui'suance of 
this power shall be subject to a lin(> of not less than ten nor more than 
one hundred dollars, to be recovered before^ any justice of the pc^ace in 
ail action in tlu^ name of the (Commissioners. 

The attorney foi- the Disti'ict holds that the .\ct of .lanuai'v 2t), 1SS7. repeals para- 
graph 5. 

('). All taxes her(>tofore lawfully assessed and-due, or to become due, 
shall be collected pursuant to law, except as lun'ein otherwise [)rovided; 

7. Hut said (JommissioiuM-s shall ha\'e no pow(M' to anticipate taxes 
by a sale or hypothecation of any such taxes or evidences th(M'eof; 

8. But th(\y may borrow, for tlu^ first fiscal year after this act takes 
effect, in anticipation of collection of rcniMiues. not. to (>xceed two hun- 
dred thousand ilollars, at a rate of iidcrest not exceedino" five per 
centum per annum, which shall be repaid out of the revenu(>s of that 
year. 

9. And said Commissioners are hereby authorized to abolish any 
office, to consolidate two or more oHices, reduce the number of em- 
ployees, ^enlo^'e from office, and make appointments to any olfice under 
them authorized by law; 



GOVERISTMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 119 

10, Said Commissioners shall have power to erect, light and main- 
tain lamp-posts, with lamps, outside of the city limits, when, in their 
judg-ment, it shall be deemed proper or necessary: 

Provided., That nothing in this act contained shall l)e (construed to 
abate in an}" wise or interfere with any suit pending in fayor of or 
against the District of Columbia or tlie Commissioners thereof, or 
affect any right, penalty, forfeiture, or cause of action existing in 
fayor of said District or Commissioners, or any citizen of the District 
of Columbia, or any other person, ])ut the same may be commenced, 
proceeded for, or prosecuted to final judgment, and the corporation 
shall be bound thereby as if the suit had been originally commenced 
for or against said corporation. 

12. The said Commissioners shall submit to the Secretary of the 
Treasury for the fiscal year ending June thirtieth, cnghteen hundi-ed 
and seyenty-nine, and annually thereafter, for his examination and 
approval, a statement showing in detail the work proposed to bo under- 
taken by them during the fiscal year next ensuing, and the estimated 
cost thereof; 

13. Also the cost of constructing, repairing, and maintaining all 
bridges authorized b}" law across the Potomac Riycr within th(> Dis- 
trict of Columbia, and also all other streams in said District; the cost 
of maintaining all public institutions of charity, reformatories, and 
prisons belonging to or controlled wholly or in part by the District of 
Columbia, and which are now by law supported wholly or in part Iw 
the United States or District of Columbia; and also the expenses of 
the Washington Aqueduct and its appurtenances; and also an itemized 
statement and estimate of the amount necessary to def ra}^ the expenses 
of the goyernment of the District of Colum})ia for the next fiseal year: 

Estimates for water department shall l)e included in estimates of Commissioners, 
vol. 21, p. 466. 

Etimates shall be sul)initted to Secretary of Treasury by October 15th of each year 
(—Stats.—). 

All estimates shall be sent to Congress through Secretary of Treasury, vol. 28, p. 254. 

Estimates for Freedman's Ilosi^ital shall hereafter be made by Comniissioners, 
vol. 27, p. 37:1 

Shall include cost of defending suits in Court of Claims, vol. 24, p. 253. 

Shall include estimates for Columbia Institution for Deaf and Dumb, vol. 25, p. 962. 

Shall include expense of militia, vol. 25, p. 780. 

Shall include care of feeble-minded children, vol. 26, ]>. 393. 

Shall include expenses of support of D. C. convicts, \o\. 26, p. 408. 

Shall include jtrovision for Board of Assistant Assessors and its clerk, vol. 28, p. 285. 

Shall include salaries of the force necessary for the care and protection of the Court 
House, vol. 28, p. 202. 

Shall include salary of the Warden of the District Jail, vol. 28, p. 202. 

vShall include expense of maintaining prisoners in the District Jail, vol. 28, p. 417. 

Shall include expense of insane, vol. 20, p. 280. 

To include statement of condition of business in respective Clovernment depart- 
ments, vol. 28, p. 808. 



120 



(iOVKRNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 



Aniuiul, sliall incliKU' stiiti'iiicnt of luuubtT ami coiiipensatiuii of t'liqiloyccH a|)])ro- 
])riat,(Ml for in one oliice and detailed to another fi u- li m^er tlian one year, vi li. 28, p. 808. 

An<l liereafter one-half of t lie cost of tlic niaintenanc(_' and rejiair of any ))ridgc 
acro.^w l-ioel\ Creek occu])ied hy the tracks of a stri-et railway oi' railways sliall be 
borne by tlu^ said railway company or conijianies, and shall be colk'cted in the same 
manner as the cost of layin.L,' jmvements l)etween the rails and tracks of street rail- 
ways as ])rovided foi' in si'ction live of "An act providinti; a, |)ermaneut form of j^ov- 
ernment for the District of Cohmd)ia," approved .fnne 11, IS7S. Tlie anionnts thus 
collected shall ln' deposited to the ci'edit of tlu^ appi'ojirialion for tll^ fiscal year in 
which they are collected. U. S. Stat., vol. I'S, ]i. L'52. 

14. /'/vz/vVAy/, Tlijit nothiiio- heroin contiiiiuMl sliiill ho coiistniod as 
transferrino- fi-om the United States aiitliorities any of tiie puhlic 
work.s within (h(> District of Colimihia now in (he eontrol or super- 
vision of said authorities. 

The followin.Lj which werc^ in charge of l'. S. otliceis ha\'e since het'ii transferred 
to Commissioners. 

The re.servatit)ns formed by intersectinu' avennes and streets were aj>i>ortion(!d 
between Superintendenlof Public Buildint;s and (iroimds and the Conunissioners, 
February H\, ISSi), by L. S. :>8,()<):!. C. (). 

Beunin^s, Anacostia and Chain I'rid'jes — transferred to charge of Commissioners, 
vol. 24, p. i:;2. 

Bridjie at I'enna. Ave., over lOastern branch, transferred to Connnissioners .Inly 
28, 1800. b. 1{. 1(;7,76S. C. O. 

Acjueduct I iridic over Potomac, placi'd under the jurisdiction of I lie Commissioners 
July 18, bS88, vol. 2r>, ],. ;{1<). 

All bridges in D. C. exce]it the Aqueduct llridge over ilock Creek, placid under 
control of ('onunissioners, vol. 27, p. •">44. 

Bridges, Commissionei-s shall makt' regulations foi- public safety on, vol. 27, ]>. 544. 

IT), "^rhe Secretary of the Treasury shall careful!}' consider all esti- 
mates sul)iiiitted to hiiu as above i)rovidod, and shall aj)pr()vc, dis- 
approve, oi" suo-o(^st such chano('s in the siime, oi' any lUnn thereof, 
as he may think th(^ pu))lic interest demands; and after he shall have 
considered and ])assed upon such estimates submitted to him. lu' shall 
cause to be made a statement of the anu)un( ap})r()\('d by him and the 
fuiul or ])urpose t(» which each item belono"s, which statement shall be 
certified by him, and doli\-ore(l, too-eth(M' with the estimates as ori^'inali}' 
submitted, to th(> Counnissioniu's of \\\o District of C'Oliuubla,. w'ho 
shall transnrit the sanu^ to (^ono"ress. 

16. To the extent to which Congress shall a])prove of said estimates, 
Cono-ress shiill appropriate th(^ anioimt of fifty per centum thereof; 

17. And the remainino- (ifty per centum of such approved estimates 
shall be lexied and assessed upon the taxal)le property and privil(>g'es 
in said District other than the propert}' of the United States and of 
the District of Columbia; 

15. And all proceedino-s in the assessing-, equalizing and levying of 
said taxes, the collection thereof, the listing return and ])en!dt3" for 
taxes in arrears, the advertising for sale and the sale of i)roperty for 
delin(]uent taxes, the redemption thereof, the proceedings to enforce 
the lien upon imredecmed i)roperty, and every other act and thing now 



GOVEKNMKNT OF THE DISTRICT OF OOLUMBTA. 121 

roqiiircd to bo done in tho premises, shall he done and performed at 
the times and in the manner now provided by law, except in so far as 
is otherwise provided l)y this act; 

ll>. Provided, That the rate of taxation in any one 3' ear shall not 
exceed one dollar and iifty cents on every one hundi'ed dollars of real 
estate not exempted by law; and on personal pro})erty not taxal)le 
elsewhere, one dollai' and fifty cents on every one hundred dollars, 
according" to th(> cash \aluation thereof; 

20. A)id pror/dcd fiirfJi)'i\ Upon real property held and used exclu- 
sively for ag-ricultural purposes, without the limits of the cities of 
Washino-ton and ( leoi'getown, and to be so desio-nated l)y the assessors 
in their annual returns, the rate for an}" one year shall not exceed one 
dollar on every one hundred dollars. 

21. The collector of taxes, upon the receipt of the duplicate of assess- 
ment, shall give notice for one week, in one newspaper published in 
the city of Washing-ton, that he is read}' to receive taxes; 

22. And any person who shall, within thirty days after such notice 
given, pay the taxes assessed against him, shall be allowed by the 
collector a deduction of five per centum on the amount of his tax; 

Provision allowing dedncfion for prompt payment of taxes repealcMl, vol. 22, p. 571. 

23. All penalties imposed by the act approved March third, eight- 
een hundred and seventy-seven, chapter one hundred and seventeen, 
upon delinquents for default in the payment of taxc^s levied under said 
act, at the times specified therein, shall, upon payment of the said 
taxes assessed against such delinquent within three months from the 
passage of this act, with interest at the rate of six per cent, thereon, 
be remitted. 

Section -l. 

1. That the said C-ommissioners may. by general regulations consist- 
ent with the act of Congress of March third, eighteen hundred and 
seventy seven, entitled "An act for the support of the government of 
the District of Columbia for the fiscal year ending fJune thirtieth, 
eighteen hundred and seventy-eight, and for other purposes," or with 
other existing laws, prescribe the time or times for the payment of all 
taxes and the duti(>s of assessors and collectors in relation thereto. 

(See "Methods of Taxation," infra.) 

2. All taxes collected shall be paid into the Treasury of the United 
States, and the same, as well as the appropriations to be mad(^ by Con- 
gress as aforesaid, shall be disbursed for the expenses of said District, 
on itemized vouchers, which shall have been audited and approved by 
th(> Auditor of the District of Columbia, certified by said Commis- 
sioners, or a majority of them; 

I'alances of appropriations remaining at end of two years from close of fiscal year 
shall be covered into Treasiu'y to credit of U. S. and I). C. equally, vol. 25, p. 808. 



122 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

3. And the aceount.s of said Coiniiiis.sioner.s, and the? tax collectors, 
and all other officers required to account, shall be settled and adjusted 
by the accounting officers of the Treasury Department of the United 
States. 

4. Hereafter the Secretary of the Treasury shall pay the interest on 
the three-sixty-live l)onds of the District of Colunil)ia issued in pursu- 
ance of the act of Congress appro^ ed Jiuie twentieth, eighteen hundred 
and seventy-four, when thi^ same shall lu^come due and paya])le; and 
all amounts so paid shall ))c credited as a part of the appropriation for 
the year by the X^nitcd States toward the expenses of the District of 
Columbia, as hereinbefore provided. 

Section 5. 

1. Tliat hereafter when any repairs of streets, avenues, alleys, or 
sewers within the District of Colunil)ia' are to ])e made, or when new 
pavements ar(> to ])e substituted in place of thos(> worn <.ut, new ones 
laid, or new streets opened, sewers l)uilt, or any works the total cost 
of which shall exceed the sum of one thousand dollars, notice shall be 
given in one newspa]ier in Washington, and if the total cost shall 
exceed live thousantl dollars, then in one newspaper in each of the cities 
of New York, IMiiladelphia, and Baltimore, also for one week, for pro- 
posals, with full specifications as to material for the whole or any por- 
tion of the Avorks proposed to he done. 

2. And the lowest responsible proposal tor I he kind aiul character 
of pavement or other work which the Commissioners shall determine 
upon shall in all cas(^s l)e accepted: 

?). Pi'(ii'l(J((1^ JiDincrti^ That the C'onnnissioniM-s shall \\\\xi' the right, 
in their discretion, to reject all of such proi)osals: 

■i. Provided^ 'i'liat work capal)le of l)eing execub'd iindcM- a single 
contract shall not be sutxlivided so as to reduce the sum of mone}' to 
be paid therefor to l(>ss ihaii one thousand dollars. 

5. All contracts for the construction, inn)i-o\ eiiient, alteration, or 
repairs of th(> streets, a\ (•nu(>s, highways, alleys, gutters, sewers, and 
all work of like nature sliall be made and entered into only by and 
with the otlicial unanimous consent of the Conuuissioners of the 
District. 

(See note after ](ara;j:i'ai)li I, secfioii 2, as to (juuruin of I'xiai'i!.) 

T). And all contracts shall l)e copied into a book kept for that pur- 
pose and be signed l)y the said Commissioners, and no contract involv- 
ing an expenditure of more than one hundred dollars shall be valid 
until recorded and sigiKMl as aforesaid. 

The First Coinptroller verl)ally advised CuiiunisHioners that books composed of 
original copies of contracts l)onnd together would meet the requirements of this law 
as to copying contracts into a book. 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF (X)LUMBIA. 123 

7. No pavement nluill be accepted nor any pavements laid except that 
of the l)est material of its kind known for that purpose, laid in the 
most substantial manner; 

8. And good and sufficient bonds to the United States, in a penal 
sum not less than the amount of the contract, with sureties to be 
approved l)v the Commissioners of District of Colum))ia. shall be 
required from all contractors, guaranteeing that the terms of their 
contract shall l)e strictly and faithfully performed to the satisfaction 
of and acceptanc(^ by said Commissioners; 

[K And that the contractors shall keep new pavements or other new 
works in repair for a term of five 3"ears from the date of the comple- 
tion of their contracts. 

10. And ten per centum of the cost of all new works shall l)e retained 
as an additional security and a guarantee fund to keep the same in repair 
for said term, which said per centum shall be invested in registered 
bonds of the United States or of the District of Columbia and the inter- 
est thereon paid to said contractors. 

Contractors' retains: "All moneys which have been or may hereafter be legally 
retained from contractors may be invested in l)onds of the Uiiited States or the Dis- 
trict of Columbia and hekl by the Treasxu'er of the United States, and any sum which 
has been or shall be realized from such investments in excess of the amounts due to 
contractors shall be deposited in the Treasury to the credit of the United States and 
of the District of Columbia in equal parts," vol. 23, p. 813; or the Treasurer of U. S. 
may retain said money without interest, or invest same at the request and risk of the 
contractor, when amount is over $100, at his discretion, vol. 24, p. 501. 

11. The cost of laying down said pavement, sewers, and other works, 
or of repairing the same, shall be paid for in the following propor- 
tions and manner, to wit: When anv street or avenue through which 
a street railway runs shall be paved, such railway company shall bear 
all of the expense for that portion of the work lying between the exte- 
rior rails of the tracks of such roads, and for a distance of two feet 
from and exterior to such track or tracks on each side thereof, and of 
keeping the same in repair; 

12. But the said railway companies, having conformed to the grades 
established by the Commissioners, ma}' use such cobblestone or Bel- 
gian blocks for paving their tracks, or the space between their tracks, 
as the Commissioners may direct; 

13. The United States shall pay one-half of the cost of all work done 
under the provisions of this section, except that done by the railway 
companies, which payment shall be credited as part of the fifty per 
centum which th(>. United States contributes toward the expenses of 
the District of (volumbia for that year; 

(Except permit work. 2S Stats., 247.) 

11. And all payments shall l)e made by the Secretary of the Treasury 
on the warrant or order of the Commissioners of the District of 



124 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

Columbia or a majority thereof, in sucli amounts and at such times as 
they may deem safe and proper in \'iew of the progress of the Avork. 

A disbur.-iint,'' oliicer shall be :i]>|)()intf(l by the C'omiuisisioiK'rs nf ilie Distrit't of 
Columbia, who shall tiivo bond tu the Tni ted States in tlie sum of fifty thousand 
dollars, conditioiu'il fdrthc faithful ix't-forniance of i\\c duties of liis ofticc in the 
disbui'siiiii' and acciiuntinLr, act'Drdinix to law, for all nuMK'_\s of tlu^'l'nited States and 
of t\\v. District of ('olund)ia that may come into his hands, which bond sliall be 
ap2)roved by the said Commissioners and llie Secretary of the Treasiwy and be liled 
in the ofiice of the Secretaiw of the Treasury: Provided, That liereafU'r advances in 
money shall be madi! on the retjuisition of said Commissioners to the said disbursing 
officer instead of to the Commissioners, and he shall account for the same as now 
reijnireil by law of the said Commissioners. 

Tliat hei'eafter all accounts for thtMlislnirsement of appropriations made either 
from tlie revenues of tlu^ District of Columbia or jointly from the revenues of the 
Unitt'd States and the Disti-ict of Columbia shall be audited by the Auditor of the 
Disfi'ict of Columbia before bein<r transmitted to the accounting oHlcers of the Treas- 
ury, unless otherwise specifically provided in the law making such ai)propriations: 
Provided, That this i)rovision shall not apply to disl)ursements on account of the 
court of apjteals and the Su|)reme (^ourt of the District of (*olunibia, and for interest 
and sinking fund on the funded debt of the District- of Columbia, which disburse- 
ments shall continue to be amlitetl as heretofore j>ro\'ided by law. (.lune .">(), ISilS.) 

IT). That if any street railway company shall noo-h'ct or refuse to 
perform the woi-k r(^({uired by this act, said pavement shall l)e laid 
})et\veen the tracks and exterior tlici'eto of such railway t)y tlu^ District 
of Coluud)ia; 

K). And if such company shall fail or refuse to pay the sum due 
fi'om theui in respect of the work done l)y or under the orders of the 
proper officials of said District in such case of the neolect or refusal of 
such railway com})iiny to perform the work riMndrcd as aforesaid, the 
Oouuuissioners of the District of Coltnul)i:i shall issue certificates of 
indel)tedness against the property, real or ])ersonal. of such railwa}^ 
company, which c(U'tiHcat(>s shall hear interest at the rat(> of ton pov 
centum jxm" annum until paid, and which, imtil th(\v are paid, shall 
remain and ])e a lien u[)on the property on or against which they are 
issued togetluu' with the franchise of said com})a^iy; 

17. And if th(^ said certiiicates ai'e not paid Avithin one year, the said 
Commissioners of the District of Coliuubia may proceed to sell the 
propert}' against which they ar(^ issued, or so much thereof as may be 
necessary to pay the amoutd due, such sale to he lirst duly advertised 
daily for one wovk in sona*, newspaper published in the city of Wash- 
ington, and to l)e at public auction to the highest bidder. 

18, When street railways cross any street or avemu% the pavement 
between the tracks of such railway shall conform to the pavenuMit used 
upon such street or avenue, and the companies owning these intersect- 
ing railroads shall pay for such ])avements in the same manner and 
proportion as required of other railway couipanies under the provisions 
of this section. 



J 



\ 

GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OV COLUMBIA. 125 

19. It sliiill be the duty of the Commissioners of the District of 
Cohmil)iii to see that all water and gas mains, service pipes, and sewer 
connections are laid upon any street or avenue proposed to be paved 
or otherwise improved before any such pavement or oth(;r permanent 
works are put down ; 

The Commissioners of tlie Distri(;t of Columbia are hereby anil inri/.cd, whenever 
the roadway of a street is about to ]k'. paved or uiacactlamized, to make service 
connections in sucli street for ail ahntting lots and premises witli tlie water mains 
and sewer jmnided for the service of said lots ami premises. The entire cost of 
the said connections shall be paid from the current appropriations respectively for 
the extensiou of tlie sewer and water supply systems, and shall be assessed against 
the abutting; pi-operty, and collected in like manner as assessments which are 
levied under the compuls<iry permit system; the sum so coliecti'd shall be credited 
to the respective appiopriations for the extension of the sewer and water supply 
systems for tiie fiscal year during wiiich said collections are made. U. 8. l^tat., 
vol. 2S, p. 44. 

20. And the Washington Cias-Light Company, under the direction 
of said Commissioners, shall, at its own expense ttdvc up, lay, and 
replace all gas mains on any .street or avcmio to be paved, at such 
time and place as said Conunissioners shall direct. 

21. The President of the United States muv detail from the Eno-i- 
neer Corps of the Army not more than two otHc'ers, of rank su])()rdi- 
nate to that of the Engineer Offic(H- belonging to the; Hoard of 
Commissioners of said District to act as assistants to said P^nirineer 
Commissioner, in the discharge of the special (hiti(\s imposed u])on 

•him l)y the provisions of this act. 

Provided, That the lastclauseof section fiveof "An act lUMviding a permanentform 
or the District of Columbia, approved June 11, 1878," is hereby amended, so as 
to read as folows: 

The President of the ITnited States may detail from the Engineer Corps of the Army 
not more than tiiree oflicers, junior to the engineer ollicer belonging to the Board 
of Commissioners (if said District to act as assistant to said Engineer Connnissioner 
ifi the discharge of the special duties imposed upon him bv the proxisions of this 
act. (28 Stat., 2.36.) 

(See joint resolution following clause 1, section 2, for further duties of these 
assistants. ) 

Section 6. 

1. That from and after the lirst day of July, eighteen hundred and 
seventy-eight, tlie Board of Metropolitan Police and th(> IJoard of 
School Trustees shall bo abolished; and all the powers and duties now 
exercised l)y them shall be transferred to the said Commissioners of 
the District of Columbia, who shall have authority to emi)l()y siuli 
officers and agents and to adopt such provisions as may be necessary 
to carry into execution the powers and duties devolved upon them 
by this act. 

2. And the Commissioners of the District of Colmnl)ia shall from 
time to time appoint nineteen persons, actual residents of said District 



12(> (U)VEKNMENT OK Till-; DLSTKICT OF COLUMBIA. 

of Columbia, to oonstiluto. the trustees ol' l*ul)lic Schools of said Dis- 
trict, who shall s(M'\-e without comjieusation nnd for kuc/i I< mix as KdUl 
Chm'i/ii.'<s!(}ih'rs xhall jix. Said trustees sjiall h;iv<' the power's and per- 
form tile (hities in rt^latioii (o (he care and mana^'emont of the Public 
Schools which arc now authorized by law. 

Comiilcfc jiirisilictinii (i\-cr I lie |>iililii' scliools of tlic Disli-ict of (.'oluiubiu wuh 
vested ill u lluani of Miluration. (;;i Slat., ")()!.) ^ 

SlOCl'ION 7. 

That the olHccs of sird\ino- fund connuissioners arc lirreby abolished; 
and all <luliesand powers j)ossessc(l \\\ said commissioners are trans- 
ferred to, and shall l)c exercised by, the Treasurer of tlu^ United 
States, who shall perform (he same in accordance \\ ilh (he ))ro\isions 
of exist i no' laws. 

Sinlviiiir fund ami iulcfcr^t ; 'ti'casui'cf may invest in any |)isli'icl lioiids lie may 
deem most ail\ anta.uiMHis, \-ol. 'I'l. \\. 170. 

A|i|iro|ii'iations for sinI<inLi- fuml ami inti'iost shall lie <ifa\\ n unly on ro(|nisili(>n of 
Trcasmvr V- . S., vol. L'L', y. 170. 

I Ici'caftcr any anionnt a|>|U-u]ii-iatril tor any liscal year may lie consoliilalod with 
'ho nncxprndod lialanccs of a|i|>rn|ii-ialions foi' interest and siid<in,L;- fimd for the yi-ars 
]>n'(vdin,Lr, vol. '_';!, |i. i:!l. 

Treasurer 1'. S. sliall redeiMn Hoard of ,\iidit cert ilicatcs, vol. 21, ]>. 28(). 

Treasurer I'. S. shall i)ay jud<j;inents of Court of Claims with I'.-tif) l)on(ls or pro- 
ceeds thereof, Mil. 21, \\. liid. 

Any excess sums hereby Ol- hereafter ap|)ropria(('(l for (he sinking 
fund over and abo\'c (he amount re(|uirc(l for 1 he ])aynicnt of the inter- 
est on (he fundcij (l(d)( of (he l)is(ric( of Columbia shall b(^ aj)plied by 
(li(^ Treasury of (li(> I'nited S(a(('s to (he |>urchas(> and rc(lcm])tioii of the 
bonds of (h(> District of Columbia : /V'^/vVA//. Tha( should (hcTreasui'er 
of the llnited States at any time be unable to secure bonds of the District 
of (\)lumbia at a. ])rice wiiicli lu^ may deem advantaoeous, he is lier(d)y 
authorized to invest the amount a\ailable for the said sinkino- fund in 
lioiids of the Cnitcd States, the bonds so ])ur(;liased to be rco-istercd in 
the name of the Trcasurci- of (hcl'ni(ed S(a-tes, trustee foi' the sinking 
fund of the District of C'olumbia, and it shall be t he duty of the Treas- 
urer of the United States to collect the intcrcvst, when due on the 
bonds so held, and to im'cst the same for account of said sinkino' fund: 
I*r<)r!i/< (/ j'lifl/n i\ Tliati lli»> Treasurer of the I'nited States is hereby 
authorize<l, l)y (vxchaiio'c or by sale and rein\'estment, to substitute 
bonds (>f the District of Columbia for the bonds of the United States, 
so held, when he shall deem it to be to the interest of the said sinking- 
fund to do so. (March 3, 1903.) 

Section 8. 

That in lieu of the r>oai-d of Health now anthorizcd by law, the 
Commissioners of the District of Cohunl)ia shall appoint a physician 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 127 

as I lea! til OfHcer, who.so duty it ,sli;ill bo, under the direction of the 
suid Coniniisslonci's, to execute and enforce all hiws and reg'uhitions 
relating to the public health and \ ii:d statistics, and to perform all 
such duties as may l»e assigned to him by said coiumissioners; and the 
P)oar(l of Health now existing shall, from the date ol' the appointment 
of said Health Olliccr, be a1)()lisli(Ml. 

Skction !». 

1. That thcic may be iii)pointe(i by the Connnissloners of the Dis- 
trict of C'olumbia, on the recommendation of the Hi>alth OfHcer, a 
reasonable munberol' sanitary inspectors for said District, not exceed- 
ing six, to hold such appointmcMit at any one time, of whom two may 
lie physicians, and one shall be a person skilled in the matters of 
drainage and ventilation; and said Commissioners may remove any 
of the subordinates, and from time to time may prescribe the duties of 
each; 

2. And said inspectors shall ))c respectively required to make, at 
least once in two wtndvs, a repoi't to said H(;alth Olhcer, in writing, 
of their insjxictions, wduch shall be presei'ved on (ile; 

3. And said Health OfHcer shall report in writing annually to said 
Commissioners of th(> District of C'olumbia, and so luuch ofteuer as 
they shall [•e([uire. 

Sectiom 10. 

That the Conunissioners may ayipoint, on the like recommendation 
of the Health Otlicer, a reasonable number of clerks, but no greater 
munber shall be ajipointed, and no more persons shall be employed 
lunhM' said H(>alth Ollicer. than the public interests demand and the 
appropriation shall justify. 

Section 11. 

1. That the salary of the Health Otlicer shall be three thousand dol- 
lars per annum; 

2. And tlu> salary of the sanitary inspectors shall not exceed the 
sum of one thousand two hundred dollai's ])er annum each; 

3. And th(^ salary of the clerks and other assistants of the Health 
OHicei' shall not exceed in the aggregate the amount of seven Ihousiind 
dollars, to be ap})ortioned as the Commissioners of the District of 
Columl)ia may.dc^eui best. 

Section 12. 

1. That it shall be the duty of the said Commissioners to report to 
Congress at the next session succeeding their appointment a draft of 
such additional laws or amendments to existing laws as in their opinion 
are necessary for the harmonious working of the system hereby 



128 aOVEBNMENT OF THE UlSTJUCT OK COLUMJilA. 

adopted, iind for tlic cllcclual and propci- ^ovci'iiiiiciit of tlic 1 )ist,i'ict 
of (joliiinhia; 

(The r<'(|iiirc(l (•(inipihilion was .snl)iiii(t('(l to (Jon^rcws, but never iicte<l upon \>y 
that body. ) IJy ad of March 2, bSH9, the coiiiijihUion of a coilc of laws was provided 
for, \'oL 25, p. ,S72. \y . Stone Abert was eiiiijloyefl to do tlic work, and I lie disti'il)n- 
tioii of the code prepared by him was oi'dere(l l)y act of .\hircii 2, bSOf), voL 2S, p. 75i). 

y. And said ( 'ommissioncrs siiall annually rc.port tlicir official doings 
in detail to ( 'odj^tcss on or Ixd'orc the lifst Monday of December. 

Skc'iion \'.'>. 

1. That lliere siiall l)e no increax- of (lie present, anionnl of (he total 
indebtedness of the 1 )is{ I'iet of C'olund)ia; 

Tlire(^-sixty-live b-mds limited to $b5,n()0,()()(), vol. 21, p. 2S(;. 

2. And any ollieer oi- jjerson who shall know ino|_\ increase, or aid 
or abet in increasino-, such total indebtedness, exce])t: t,o the amount 
of the two hundred thousand dolhirs, as aiil hori/ed lt\ this act, shidi 
1)0 dc(!nie(l o-uilty of a hi<^'h misdeiiK'anoi-. and, on eon\ ietion thereof, 
shidl l)C piuiislied by irii])risoninerd not excccdino- (en years, and by 
line not excecdin*^' ten thoustind dollars. 

Skci'ion N. 

J. Thiit the tei'Ui '"school liouses '' in the aet of rlune sexcntccntli, 
cieht<'(!n hundr<Hl tiiid seventy, (ditipter thirty, wiis intended to oinbracc 
all colleo-iate es(ablishnien(s actually used for educational i)urposes, 
a»id not for pri\'ate giiin. 

2. And thiU all taxes heretofore iiii])osed upon such establislmients, 
in the District of ('()lund)ia, since the date of said ;ic( are lier(d)y 
rciuittcd, and where tlu^ same or any part thereof has been paid, the 
sum so paid shall be i'(d"unded. 

y>. I)id, if any })ortion of any said buildino-, house, oi' oronnds in 
tei'ins (!XC(5j)t.e(l is used to secufc a rent or income, or for any biisin<'ss 
purpose, such ])()rtion of (he same, or a sum e(|ual in \alue to such 
portion, shall be taxed. 

Sk(;'I'ion i."). 

That all laws inconsistent \\ ith the pixnisions of this act be, and the 
same arc hei-(d)y. repeal(Hl. 

Approved . I line I I . Is7s. 

Al'l'ENDlX 'Jii). 

AN ACT for layinj^ out antl erectinfr a Town on l^otoniac liiver, al)ove tlir [montli 
of liock Creek, in Fredcu'ick County. I*assed Stli June, 1751.] 

Wherciis sevcn'al inhabitants of Frederick Coimty, by their humble 
[)etition to this (lenei-al Assembly, have set forth, thiit there is :i con- 
venient place for a town on l*otomae Kiver, above the mouth of Ivock 



GOVEKNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 129 

Ci'eek, tidjacent to the inspoctioii-housc in tlic County aforesaid, and 
pra3'ed, tliat .sixty acres of land ma}- be there laid out and erected into 
a town: 

2. Be it therefore enacted, l;/ fhr rhjlit lionorahle the Lord Prietary, 
hy and 'inlth the advice and consent of li.ix, Lordshij)H Governor^ and the 

Upper and Lotver IIovKes of Asscmhly, and the autJiorlty of the name. 
That Captain Henry Wright Crabb, ]Vlaster John Needhani, Master 
John Ciao-ett, Master Janu>s Pei'rie, Master Sanuiel Maoruder the 
Tliird, Master rlosias Beaile, and Master David Lynn, shall be, and 
are hereby, appointed commissioners for Frederick County aforesaid, 
and arc licrchy authorized jiiid empowered, as well to buy and pur- 
chase sixty acres, part of the tracts of land belong"ing to M(^ssrs. George 
Gordon and George Bell, at the place aforesaid, Avhere it shall appear 
to them, or the major part of them, to be most convenient as to sur- 
vej' and lay out, or cause the same to be surveyed and laid out, in the 
best and most convenient maimer, intoeight}^ lots, to be erected into a 
town. 

3. And l)e it farther enacted^ />// 1 he an/Jiorilij, adirice, and co/hsent 
aforenald. That the conunissioners aforesaid before nominated and 
appointed, oi- the major part of them, aic hereby empowered and 
required, at some time by them, or the major part of them, to be 
appointed, before the first day of ()ctol)er next, to meet together on 
the land aforesaid, or at some other place neai' and convenient thereto, 
and then and there treat and agree (if the sauK? can bcMlone on reason- 
able terms,) with the owner or owners, and person or persons interested 
in the same sixty acres of land, for the puichase thereof; and if it 
shall happen that the said owner or owncn-s, person or persons, will 
not agree w ilh the said commissioners for .sucli rate or price as they 
the said commissioners, or the major part (^f them, shall thiidc reason- 
a])le, or shall refuse to make saK^ ol" the same, oi- that through non-age, 
coverture, or any othei- disal)ility or impediment, shall l)e disabled to 
make such sale, that then and in any such case the conunissioners 
aforesaid, or the major part of them, shall and are hereby empowered 
and recpiired, to issue a warrant, under their hands and seals, directed 
to the sheriir or coroner of Frederick County aforesaid for the time 
being, conmianding him to sunuuon and impannel a jury of seventeen 
good and lawful men, f i-eeholders of his bailiwick, to be and appear at 
the day and place in such warrant to be mentioned, which sheritf is 
here))y rc<|uii"cd and obliged to execute the same; and that jury, being 
by the said conunissioners charged and sworn, shall, upon their oath, 
inquire, assess, and return, what damages or rec()nq)ence they shall 
think lit to b(^ paid and given to such owner oi- owners, [)erson or per- 
sons, for tile sixty acres of land aforesaid, and that whate\er sum or 
sums of money such jury shall so assess and award, shall aiid is hereby 
declared to be the value and price to be paid to such owner or owners, 

14248—03 9 



130 GOVERNMENT OF THE JJLSTKICT OF COLUMJ5IA. 

person or persons, interested in the sixty acres of land aforesaid; l»at 
if the said jui'y sliall assess and value the said land at a l(>ss })ric(^ than 
lit'ty shiJIinj^s current money for each acre, then in sucii case the pur- 
chaser or purchasers of such land shall pa}' such further sum, over and 
above what shall bethc^ valuation of the said jury, as shall make up the 
full sum of lifty shillings like money as aforesaid- for ever}' acre, to be 
paid to sucii proi)rietor or proprietors as aforesaid. 

4. A/i(/ he it furtlii'V evacted, hij llir (lul/ior!/ 1/^ (nhiice^ <ni(l c(nixent 
afovrmHl, That after the a^'reement and pundiase of the commission- 
ers aforesaid, oi- after the assessment and I'ctuin of the jury afoi-esaid, 
as the case shall liai)peii, the afoi'esaid connnissionei's. or the major 
part of them, shall and are herel)y i-e(|uired to caus(> the sann^ sixty 
acres of land to be carefully surveyed, divided and laid oiil. by the 
surveyor of the county afoi'esaid, or such other person as they, or 
the major part of th(>m, shall make choice of and appoint for that })ur- 
pose, as near as con\'enient ly may be, into eio-hty equal lots, allowing 
such sufficient s))ace or (juantity thereof foi' streets, lanes, and alleys, 
as to them shall seem meet, and the same lots, so laid out. shall luun- 
ber with ninnbers, one, two, and tlii'ce. and so to eighty, for distin- 
guishing each lot from the othei", and shall cause the streets, lanes, 
and alleys, to l»e nanie(l ancl distinguished by ceitain names, and by 
good suflicient cedar or locust posts, to be set n\) as a boundary to 
each of them. 

5. And he il J'li rl hi r iiutchd^ In/ I In ii n/ liori 1 1/^ (i(lr!c<, d ltd ('(i)iKctd 

afor<'.'<((!<l^'V\\ni tlie commissi(jnei"s, or the iiiajoi- part of them, shall 
and ai'e hei'cby re(|uired to assess, set, and ascertain the price to be 
paid for each of t he lots aforesaid, accoi'ding to the \alue. conx'eniency, 
and situation thereof, so always tliat the ])i-ices of all the said lots, 
added together, may amount to the sum b}- them agreed for, or awarded 
by the jury, for the aforesaid sixty acres of land, and no more; and 
the afori\said sixty acres of land being so sui'\'eye(l. laid out and 
divided, shall be, and is hereby, (U'ectcd into a town, and shall be 
called by the name of (Teorgetown. , 

6. And hi' it fiiiilnr enacted^ That the owner or ow iiei-s of the afore- 
said land shall and may ha\'e his, her, or their choice of any of the two 
lots aforesai<l, to be by him, her. or them, retained for his. liei', or their 
proper use, pro\ided such choice shall be made and declared to the 
connnissioners aforesaid, or the major ])art of them, within ten days 
after the sui'vc}' aforesaid shall be made and completed, and not other- 
wise; and that after such choice is mad(\ or in case no such choice 
shall be made within the ten days afon^said, then after the expiration 
of the same ten days, jdl persons whatsoever shall be at liberty to take 
u]) and purchase the same lots, paying the owner or owjiers aforesaid, 
or others thei-ein intein^sted, tlu' price oi' \alue thereof, so as afore- 
said sei and assessed by the commissioners aforesaid; and that every 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTKICT OF COLUMBIA. 131 

person Avho .shall pay as aforesaid the pi'ice of the lot l>v him or her 
so taken up or chosen, or shall })rove to the satisfaction of the said 
commissioners, or the major part of them, that he oi'she had tendered 
or offered to pay the said price to the owner or owners aforesaid, and 
that such owner had refused to accept oi* receive the same, and an 
entry of such payment oi' tender and I'td'usal beini;" made according to 
the directions hereafter mentioned, such person shall and is hereby 
declared to l><'. by \irtue of such payment of tender and refusal, and 
entr}^ thereof mad(^ as aforesaid,' and this act, fully and absolutely 
invested and seized of and in an estate of inheritance in fee simple of 
and in such lot, to liim or her, and his or lier h(>irs and assigns for- 
ever, without any deed, conveyance, or other transfer, from such 
own(>r or owners for the same, any statute, law, usage, or custom, to 
the contrar}^ notwithstanding. 

7. Provided (dioayx^ Tliat it shall not he lawful for any person. to 
take up, enjoy, have, or possess, more than one of the same lots, within 
twelve months aftei- the same are di\'i(led and laid out as aforesaid; 
provided, also, that all and every the person and [)ersons aforesaid so 
taking up the lots aforesaid, or any of them, shall and ai"e hereby 
o))liged and retpured, within two yeai's jifter they shall take up their 
respective lots as aforesaid, and enti-y thereof made as aforesaid, to 
erect, build, and linisli thereon, one good and sul)stantial house that 
shall coyer four hunilred square feet of gi'ound at the least, and that 
it 1)e made in <'\"ery respect tenantable, with one good brick or stone 
chinuic}' thereto; and that all and e\ery of such taker oi' takers up, 
who shall neglect to huild as aforesaid on their respective lots afore- 
said, within the tiin(> h(M-ein for that pui'pose limited and appointed, 
shall lose such, and the estate of such taker up so neglecting as afore- 
said, shall from henceforth cease and determine, and such lot or lots 
so neglected to be built upon shall be su})ject to be again taken up by 
any other pei'son whatsoevei', which second taker up, paying to the 
counnissioiuM's aforesaid the price thereof so as aforesaid assessed, and 
entry thereof made as aforesaid, and building thereon as before directed 
within the time before limited after such second taking up, shall have 
the like estate in such lot or lots as the first takers up who shall com- 
ply with the reipiisites before mentioned are herein l)efore declared to 
have, and so, totles (luotie^, until the same lots shall be 1)uilt on and 
improA^ed as aforesaid. 

8. And he it further enacted^ That the money aforesaid directed to 
be paid to the commissioners aforesaid, for the lots not built on and 
impro\'ed by the first or other takers up within the time herein limited, 
shall and is hereby directed to ))e a})plied to such purposes, for the 
use and benefit of the said town, as to tlie said connuissioners, or the 
major part of them, shall seem meet. 



132 GOVEKNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

0. And he it fiirfJur cnadid^ l>y tJie authority aforesaid^ Thtit the 
.surveyor of the county aforesaid, or any other person whom the com- 
missioners aforesaid, or tlic niujor part of them, sliall ap})oint to sur- 
vey and lay out the lands aforesaid, as before herein directed, shall 
make out a fair and exact plot of the town aforesaid, and survey 
thereof, whereby each lot, street, lane, and alley, ma}' appear to be 
well distinguished by their respective nund)ers and names, and the same 
plot, with a full and plain certiticate ther(>of, shall deliver to the com- 
missioners as aforesaid, or the major part of them, to be entered and 
reposited as hereafter directed; and that the said surveyor, or other 
person appointed as aforesaid, shall have and receive for surveying 
and laying out the town aforesaid, and making the plot aforesaid, the 
sum of one thousand poiuids of tobacco, to he paid and allowed in the 
county levy, and no more. 

,10. And he It further e)iacted^ hy the authority afejreiiald^ That the 
commissioners aforesaid, or the major part of them, shall and are 
here])y required to employ some sufficient person for their clerk, and 
shall administer an oath to such clerk for the due performance of his 
office, which clerk shall and is hereby ol)liged to lind and provide a 
good well bound book, foi' registering and entering tlie proceedings 
of the said conunissioners in the premises, and shall duly and faith- 
fully register and enter in such book the certiticate of the survey 
aforesaid, the prices of each respective lot, the name of the owner, and 
the time of its l)eing taken up and paid for, or of the tender or refusal 
as aforesaid, and all other the transactions and proceedings of the 
aforesaid commissioners whatsoever, in and a])out the town aforesaid; 
which said register, together with the plot or survey of the same town, 
shall be carefully examined and inspected by the aforesaid commis- 
sioners, or the major part of them, and after the same is completed, 
shall be lodged with, and delivered to, the clerk of the same county, to 
be by him kept amongst the records of the same county. 

11. And In It furth< r enacted^ That the said commissioners, or the 
major part of them, shall limit and ascertain 'what fees their clerk 
aforesaid shall have and receive for the several services by him to ))e 
done by virtue of this act, to be paid ])y the several persons taking up 
the lots aforesaid. 

12. And w^hereas it may l)e advantageous to the said town to have 
fairs kept therein, and mti}- prove an encouragement to the back inhab- 
itants, and others, to bring conunodities there to sell and vend. Be it 
enacted^ That it shall and may be lawful for the commissioners of the 
said town to appoint two fairs to l)e held therein annually, the one fair 
to begin on the second Thursday in April and the other on the first Thurs- 
day in October, annually; which said fairs shall l)e held each for the 
space of three days, and that during the continuance of such fair or 
fairs, all persons within the bounds of the said town shall be privileged 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 133 

and free from arrests, except for felon}^ or breach of the peace, and all 
persons coming- to such fair or fairs, or returning therefrom, shall have 
the like privilege of one day Ijefore the fair, and one day on their return 
therefrom; and the commissioners for the said town arc hereby empow- 
ered to make such rules and orders for the holding the said fairs, as may 
tend to prevent all disorders and inconveniences that may happen in the 
said town, and such as may tend to the improvement and regulating of 
the said town in general, so as such rules, except in fair-time, affect 
none but livers in the said town, or such person or persons as shall have 
a lot or free-hold therein, an}- law, statute, usage, or custom, to the 
contrary notwithstanding; provided, always, that such rules and orders 
be not inconsistent with the laws of this province, nor the statutes or 
customs of Great Britain. 

13. And he it further enacted^ That the commissioners for the said 
town, or th*^^ major part of them, from time to time, and at all times, 
shall have power to remove all nuisances that they shall lind in any of 
the streets or alle3^s of said town; provided nevertheless, that this act 
nor any thing herein contained, shall extend, or be construed to extend, 
to enable or capacitate the said counnissioners or inhabitants of the 
said town to elect or choose delegates or burgesses, to sit in the gen- 
eral assembl}" of this province as representatives of the said town; But 
it is hereby enacted., That the commissioners or the inha).)itants of the 
said town shall not elect or choose an}" delegate or delegates, l)iirgoss 
or burgesses, to represent the said town in an^^ general assembl}' of 
this province. 

1-1. A7id he it further enacted^ That when and as often as any of the 
commissioners aforesaid shall die, or remove from the coimt}- afore- 
said, or refuse or neglect to join in the execution of this act, then, and 
in any such case, the major part of the other commissioners aforesaid 
shall choose others in the place of such who shall die, refuse, remove, 
or neglect as aforesaid, and such person or persons so chosen, shall 
have equal power to act as the other commissioners herein mentioned. 

15. And he it further enacted.^ hy the authority aforesaid., That all 
and every person and persons taking up and possessing the lots afore- 
said, or an}' of them, shall be, and are nereb}^, obliged to pay unto the 
right honorable the lord proprietary, his heirs or successors, the j'early 
rent of one pennj^ sterling money for each respective lot l)y them so 
taken up and possessed, to be paid in the same manner as his land 
rents in this province now are, or hereafter shall be paid. 

16. Saving unto his most sacred majesty, his heirs and successors, 
the right honorable the lord proprietary, his heirs and successors, and 
to all bodies politic and corporate, and all persons not mentioned in 
this act, their several and respective rights, any thing in this act to the 
contrary notwithstanding. 



134 GOVEKNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

Appendix 21. 

AN ACT for :m aildition to (ieorgetown, in Montgomery County. [Passed 2(>tli 

Decenilx'r, 178".] 

Whereas Thomas Beall, son of (nH)roe, of Monto'omery county. l)y 
hi.s huni])lc petition to thi.*^ o-(Mi(M'al ass(nnl)ly hath set forth, that he is 
seized and possessed of part of a tra(;t of land, called and known by 
the name of the Rock of nuniharton, adjoinino- Georgetown, contain- 
inii" si.xty-onc acres, v.liich he is desirous of aniu^xing- to said town, and 
therefore^ prayed that a Itiw niis.;'ht pass for that ])urpose; and it appear- 
ino- to this o'cncrnl assembly, that to extend and enlare-c the limits of 
said town will o-rcatly contribute to promote the trade and commerce 
thereof: 

2. Be it enacted b// t/ie Gem ml Axxitiibtij of^fanjland^ That Messieurs 
John Miu'dock, Richard Thompson, William Deakins, Thomas Rich- 
ardson, and Charles Roatty. Ix^ conmiissioners of (Teoro-etown, or the 
major part of them, be authorized and required, at any time before 
the iirst day of August n(>xt. to c;iuse the aforesaid parcel of land, or 
such part thereof as they may think necessary, to be surveyed and 
laid out into h»ts. streets, lanes, and alleys, at the proper cost and 
expense of the said Thomas Reall, in sucli manner as to the said com- 
missioners, or a majoi' \yA\t of them, sjiall appear convenient. 

3. Andhe it emietcd. That th(> counuissioncM's aforesaid, or a major 
part of them, shall, on oi' l)efore the said tirst day of August next, 
cause a correct and accui'ate survey and plot to b(^ made of the said 
land, and of all tlu^ lots, streets, lanes and alleys, which shall be laid 
otit in \ irtue of this act; and the said plot shall be recorded amongst the 
records of the said county, as soon as conveni(Mitly may be thereafter, 
th(M'e to remain as (>\ idence of the boundari(»s, situation, and location 
of the said lots, and of tli(> sti'cets, lanes, juid alleys; v, hi ch said streets, 
lanes, and alleys, hereaftm- to l)e hiid out in pursuance of this act, shall 
be highways, and be so deemed :\nd t:d<(Mi to :dl int(Mits and pui'poses 
whatsoever; and when the same shall be done,' the said land, so sur- 
veyed and laid out. shad be, and is luu'eby declared to be, part of 
Georg(^town, as fully and amply, as if originally included therein, and 
shall have the same iuuuunities and pri\ileges as the rest of the .said 
town hath, or Wy former laws ouglit to have; .saving to the state of 
Maryland, and all hodicvs politic and corporate, an.d all persons not 
mentioned in this act, their se\-ei'al and respective rights. 



Appendix 'I'l. 

AN ACT for aa addition to (ieortictown, in ]\Iontg'oini'ry Connty. [J'assed 'I'li\ 

Jainiary, ITS,").] 

Whereas Rol)ei-t Peters, William Dc^akins, junior, Charles r)eatty, 
and John Thiclkeld. of (leorgetown, by their humble ])etition to this 
general assembly have set forth, that they have agreed to lay out, as an 



GOVEENMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 135 

addition to Creorgetown, twenty acres and eiohteen thirt}^ seconds of 
an acre of ground, being part of the following tracts of land, to wit: 
one acre and twenty-six thirt}' se(.'onds of an acre, part of a tract of 
land called Frogland, the propert}" of the aforesaid Charles Beatt}^ 
two acr(vs and one thirty second of an acre, part of a tract of land 
called Discoyery, the propert}^ of the aforesaid lvobt>rt Peters, thirteen 
acres and twenty-nine thirt}^ seconds of an acre, part of a tract of land 
called Conjuror's Disappointment, the propert}^ of the aforesaid Wil- 
liam Doakins, jiuiior, and three acres twenty-six thirty seconds of an 
acre, part of a tract of lands called the Resuryey on Salop, the prop- 
erty of the aforesaid John Threlkeld, into sixty-fiye lots, ;ind a sufficient 
numl)er of streets, as appears hy the plot of the actual survey thereof, 
made by the said Francis Deakins on the tirst day of September, in 
the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eiffhtv-four; 
and the said Robert Peters, John Threlkeld, William Deakins, jr. and 
Charles Beatty, have prayed that an act may pass confirming the same 
as an addition to Georgetown, and establishing the boundaries thereof 
as now laid down by the sur\ey and plot aforesaid, and granting to 
those who shall be proprietors of the lots fronting on the north side of 
W^ater-street, the exclusive right to the ground and water on the south 
side thereof, for the sole purpose of making wharves, without being 
allowed to erect an}- buildings thereon, and vesting a power in the 
commissioners of Georgetown to improve, l^y whai'ves for the public 
good, the land and water fronting Frederick, Fayette, and Gay streets; 
and it appearing to this general assembly, that extending the limits of 
the said town will greatly contribute to the promotion of the trade and 
commerce thereof, and be of general utility; therefore, 

2. Ue it enacted hy the General jLmewMy of Maryland, That the said 
parts of the tracts of land herein before mentioned and described, and 
laid out into sixty -five lots and a sufficient number of streets, as delin- 
eated on the plot of the survey thereof, made by Francis Deakins on 
the first day of September, in the j^ear of our Lord one thousand 
seven hundred and eighty-four, be, and they are hereb}^ declared to 
be, part of Georgetown aforesaid, and shall have, possess, be entitled 
to, and enjo}", to all and every intent and purpose, all the immunities, 
privileges, and advantages, which do or shall appertain to the said 
town, as fully and amply, in every respect, as if the same had been 
originally part thereof and included therein; and the said lots and 
streets, surveyed and laid out in manner herein before set forth, shall 
be, and they are hereby, established and confirmed, according to the 
delineation and description of the same on the plot of the survey 
thereof bj^ Francis Deakins, herein before referred to, and in all dis- 
putes and controversies which may or shall hereafter happen or arise 
respecting the location of the said lots and streets, the said plot, the 
bounds and lines therein referred to being proved, shall be conclusive 



136 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

evidence between the parties at whose instance this act is passed, and 
all claiming- under them. 

8. And he it fnrtlirr enacted, That the pvopi'ietors of the lots fronting 
on the north side of Water-street, shall ]iav(> and enjoy the exclusive 
right to the ground and water on the south side of their respective 
lots, for the sole purpose of making wharves, but thev shall not be 
allowed to erect any i)uildings on the wharves so to be made by them. 

4. A7id he it further enacted. That it shall and maybe lawful for the 
commissioners of Cleorgetown, or the major part of them, and they 
are hereby empowered, to make and erect wharves on the ground and 
water fronting on Frederick, Fayette, and Gay-streets, for the pu])lic 
good, which said wharves shall be for the use and convenience of all 
vessels trading to the said town, without paying wharfage or any duty 
or imposition whatever, for using the sani(\ 

5. And he it further enacted. That for the saf(> keeping and preser- 
vation of th(\ said plot of the said addition to (leorgetown, the same 
shall be deposited with the conmiissioners of tlie said town, who are 
hereby directed to rcM-eive the said plot, and taki' care thereof. 



Appendix 23. 

AN ACT to incorporate Georgetown, in Montgomery County. [Passed 25th Decem- 

l)er, 17S9.] 

Be It enacted Inj llic (inund. AssemUy (f Maryland, That George- 
town, in Montgonun-y county, shall be, and hereby is, erected, consti- 
tuted, and made, an incorporate town, consisting of a mayor, recorder, 
six aldermen, and ten othcM" persons to be connnon councilmen of the 
said town, which said mayor, recorder, aldermen, and common council- 
men, shall be abody incorporate and one connn unity forever, in right and 
by the nameof the Mayor Recorder, Aldermen, and Common Council, of 
the said town, and shall Ix^ able and ('apa])le to su(> and be sued at law^, 
and to act and execute, do and perform, as a body incorporate, which 
shall have succession fore\'(M\ and to that end to have a common seal, 
and the sanu^ to change and alter at their pleasure; and Robert Peter, 
Esquire, one of the inhal)itants of the said town, shall for the present 
be, and herel)y is appointed mayor of the said town for tiie next year, 
to commence on the tifth day of January next; and John Mackall 
Gantt, Esquire, shall be, and hereby is, appointinl recorder of the said 
toW'U; and Brooke Beall, Bernard Oneale, Thomas Beall, of George, 
James Maccubbin Lingan, John Threlkeld, and John Peter, Esquires, 
inhabitants of the said town, shall be, and hereby are, appointed alder- 
men of the said town so long as the}' shall well behave themselves 
therein. 

2. And he it enacted, TlvcitixW free men above twenty-one years of 
age, and having visible property within the state above the value of 



GOVEENMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 137 

thirty pounds current money, and having resided in the said town one 
whole year next before the first day of Januaiy next, shall have a 
right to assemble at such place in the said town as the said mayor, 
recorder, and aldermen, or any three or more of them, shall a|)point, 
and when asseml)led, they shall proceed to elect, mva voee^ ten per- 
sons, residents of the said town one whole year next before the said first 
day of ffanuary next, above twent3'-one j^ears of age, and having visi- 
ble propertj' within the state above the value of one hundred pounds 
current money, to be common council of the said town for so long 
time as they shall well behave themselves,'^ and the said maj'or, 
recorder and aldermen, or an}^ three or more of them, shall be judges 
of the said election, and the ten persons who shall haAC the greatest 
number of legal votes upon the final casting up of the polls, shall be 
declared duly elected. 

3. And, to perpetuate the succession of the said mayor, recorder, 
aldermen and common council, in all time to come, Be it enacted^ That 
the said ma3'oi-, recorder, aldermen and common council, shall assem- 
ble at some convenient place in the said town upon the first Monday in 
Januar}", seventeen hundred and ninety-one, and on the same da}^ for 
ever thereafter, and shall elect, by the majority of votes of such of them 
as shall be then present, one other of the aldermen of the said town for 
the time being, to be mayor of the said town for the ensuing- year; and 
upon the death or removal of the said maA^or, or of the recorder or an}^ 
aldermen of the said town, and within one 3'ear after any such event, 
such of the said persons as shall be alive, or the major part of them, shall 
assemble at some convenient place in the said town, and elect, b^- a 
majority of votes, some other person or persons to be ma3^or, recorder, 
alderman or aldermen, of the said town, in the place of such person or 
persons, so deceased or removed respectively, as the case shall require, 
so as the said mayor, so to l)e elected, be at the time of such election 
actuall}^ one of the aldermen of the said town,'^ and so as the said 
recorder, so to be elected, l)e a person learned in the law, and so as 
the said alderman and aldermen, so to be elected, be actually, at the 
time of such election, of the common council of the said town; and in 
case of the election of any of the common council to be an akh^rman, 
the vacancy shall be filled up by an election, at such time, (not less 
than five days thereafter,) as the said mayor, recorder, and aldermen, 
or any three or more of them, shall appoint, by the residents of the 
said town qualified as hereinbefore directed and required in the first 
election of the common council then for the said town, 

4. And he it enacted, That the mayor, recorder, and aldermen, hereby 

«By 1797, ch. 56, so much of this section as continues the powers of the common 
council during good behaviour, is repealed, and they are thereafter to be elected to 
serve for two years. The elections to be on the first Monday in February. 

& By 1797, ch. 56, section 5, this restriction is taken off, and any citizen of George- 
town may be chosen Mayor. 



138 GOVERNMENT OF IHE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

appointed, or hereafter to be elected, shall be justices of the peace 
within the said town and precincts thereof, having first taken the oath 
appointed ])y law to be taken by justices of the peace. 

6. And 1)8 it enacted^ That the said mayor, recorder, and aldermen, 
hereb}' appointed, or hereafter to he elected, or any three or more of 
them, shall haye within the said town, or the precincts thereof, full 
power to elect a sheriff, and to appoint constables and other necessary 
officers for the said towni. 

6. Aiidlx' it enacted. That the said mayor, recorder, ahhn-men, and 
common council, of the said town, for the time being, shall have full 
power and authority to make such ]\v-laws for tlie regulation and good 
government of the said town and precincts, and the iiihabitants thereof, 
and to restrain all disorders and disturbances, and to prevent all nui- 
sances, inconveniences, and annoj'ances. within the said town and its 
precincts, and other matters, exigencies, and things, within the said 
town and })recincts, as to them, or a major part of them, shall seem 
meet antl consonant to reason, and not contrary to tlu^ constitution and 
laws of this state; and the said by-laws shall b(> observed, kept, and 
})(n'form(vl. l)y all the inhabitants of the said town and its precincts, 
and all ps -.--on^ ii'ading therein, under such reasonable penalties, tines, 
and forfeitures, as shall be imposed l)v the said by-laws, not exceeding 
seven pounds ten shillings current mon(\v, or twenty dollars; the said 
penalties, fines, or forfeitures, to ])e levied b}^ distress and sale of the 
goods, or execution of the person so offending, and applied to the use 
of the said toMn. 

7. A)uJ., to defray the expenses of the said corporation. Be it enaefed, 
That it shall b(> lawful for the said mayor, recorder, aldermen, and 
common council, of the said town, ])V l)y-laws made for the purpose, 
to impose any sum, not exceeding two shillings and six-pence" current 
monc}' in any one year, on every hundred pound of property within 
the said town. 

8. And he It rnaeted. That the mayor, recorder, and aldermen, of 
the said town, or any five or more of them, be authorized from time 
to time, as often as they think it necessary, to cause a correct survey 
of the said town, and the additions thereto, to be n:iade, and to estab- 
lish and fix permanent boundaries and stones at such places as they 
think it necessary, with proper marks and devices thereon, to ascer- 
tain and perpetuate the true lines of the said toAvn and the additions 

« Increased to seven shillings and six-pence by 1797, ch. 56. 

By 1799, ch. 85, they may ol)lige persons licensed as ordinary-keepers or retailers 
within the corporation, to pay a snni not exceeding five dollars to the corporation. 
The mayoi-'s court t<> have the sole power of granting such licences, and to receive 
the sums due therefor to the state, in addition to those imposed hy them, for the pay- 
ment of which the mayor is to give bond, with security, as the county clerks are 
directed to do. 



GOVERNMEJSTT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 139 

thereto; and the said mayor, recorder, and aldermen, or any five or 
more of them, be authorized from time to time to survey and ascer- 
tain the streets, lanes, and alleys, of the said town and the additions 
thereto, and to declare the same, and to adjudge as nuisances any 
encroa(!hments thereon; and the said mayor, recorder, and aldermen, 
or any five or more of them, are also authorized and required, on the 
application and at the expense of the proprietors, or the guardians of 
infant proprietors, of any lot in the said town or the additions thereto, 
to survey, alter, amend, or lay out anew, any of the streets, lanes, 
and alleys, running through the ground of such proprietors, so as to 
make the streets, lanes, and alle3"s, throughout ever}^ part of the said 
town and the additions thereto, to correspond and communicate with 
each other as near as may be; provided that any street, lane, or alley, 
when altered, amended, or made anew, shall not run through the 
ground of an}' person without his consent.''' 

D. And he it enacted^ That the mavor, recorder, and aldermen, or 
any three or more of them, shall hold a court in the said town, to be 
called the Mayor's Court, and in court they may make proper officers, 
and settle reasonable fees, not exceeding what are or shall be allowed 
by law in the count}" courts of this state. 

10. And he it enacted, That the mayor, recorder, or any aldermen of 
the said town, shall have the same jurisdiction as to debts as any jus- 
tice of the peace of any county of this state now hath, or shall here- 
after have by law, and an appeal shall lie in the same manner from 
their judgment to the mayor's court, as from the decision of any county 
justice to the county court, and such appeal shall be regulated, prose- 
cuted, and determined, by the said mayor's court, in the same mode as 
is or shall be directed by law in the case of an a])peal from the deter- 
mination of a single justice to the county court. 

11. And he it enacted, That the said mayor's court shall have concur- 
rent jurisdiction with the county court of Montgomery county in all 
criminal cases, except such as affect life or member, if such crimes or 
offences be committed within the said town, or the precincts thereof, 
by any inhabitant thereof, or by any person not a citizen of this state; 
and any fine, penalty, or forfeiture, recovered in the said mayor's 
court, shall be paid and applied in the same manner as if recovered in 
the county court of the said county; and the mayor, recorder, and any 
alderman, shall have jurisdiction touching and concerning any such 
crime, to arrest and l)ind over to answer therefor in the said mayor's 
court. 

12. And he it enacted, That the said mayor, recorder, aldermen, and 
common council, or the major part of them, shall have power to 

"By 1799, ch. 85, the clerk of Montgomerj- county is directed to deliver to the 
order of the mayor the book in his office containing the plan of Georgetown, to ])c 
deposited with the clerk of the mayor's court. 



140 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

appoint an inspector or inspectors of flour for the said town, and to 
fix his or their allowance; provided that the same shall not exceed 
three-pence current money per ])arrel. 

1?). A/)d he it enact e<h That all that part of Montgomery county lying 
within one cjuarter of a mile of the limits of the said town, and the 
additions thereto, and all that space of wat(M-of Potomac River adjoin- 
ing the said town on all the shores thereof, and used as the harbour, as 
far unto the said river as the middle thereof, shall be considered as the 
precincts of the said town, and Avithin the jurisdiction of th(^ mayor, 
recorder, aldermen, and conunon council of the said town, and suhject 
to their by-laws and regulations, and within the juT-isdiction of the 
mavor, recordcn-, or any alderman of the said town, as before men- 
tioned and limited by this act. 

14. yl//c/ /v/V r//^/("/rc/, That all property Ixdonging to the commis- 
sioners or truste(\s of Georgc^town shall 1>(\ and the same is hereby, 
transferred and vested in the mayor, i-ecorder. aldermen, and common 
council of the said town, and tluMr successors, forever, for the use and 
benefit of the said town. 

Several adilitinnal iMiwers are ijiven by 1797, cli. 56. 



Appendix 24. 

Mf{. Madison's views in the federalist as to exclusive jurisdic- 
tion DY CONGRESS AND AS TO THE SENTIMENT RESPECTING THE EXER- 
CISE OF SUFFi:A(iE BY THE INHAJUTANTS OF PllE DISTKIC'l'. 

[Reporl (in iMlueatioii in thr Dislriclof C(iluni1)i;i. imlilislicd liy tlu' Uduscdf Reiiresentiitivcs.liinuiiry 

17, 1S7U, ]iaj,'e ITfi.] 

The indispensable necessity of (•om[)lete authority at the seat of 
government carries its own evidence with it. It is a power ex(^rcised 
by every legislature of tlu^ Union, I might say of the world, ])y virtue 
of its general supremacy. Without it, not only the public authority 
might ))e insulted and its proceedings be interrupted with impunity, 
])ut a dependence of th(^ meml>ers of the General Government on the 
State comprehending the seat of the government for protection in the 
exercise of their duty might l)ring on the national councils an imputa- 
tion of awe or influence e([ually dishonorable to the Governm'ent and 
dissatisfactoiy to the other members of the confederacy. This con 
sidcration has the more weight as the gradual accunuilation of public 
improvements at the stationary residence of the government w^ould be 
]>oth too great a public pledge to be left in the hands of a single State 
and would create so many obstacl(>s to a removal of the Government as 
still further to abridge iti necessary independence. The extent of this 
Federal district is sufficiently circumscribed to satisfy every jealousy 
of an opposite nature. And as it is to be appropriated to this use with 
the consent of the State ceding it; as the State will no doubt provide 
in the compact for the rights and the consent of the citizens inhabiting 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 141 

it; as the inhabitants will lind sufficient inducements of interest to 
become willing parties to the cession; as the}^ will have had their voice 
in the election of the government which is to exercise authority over 
them; as a municipal legislature for local purposes derived from their 
own suffrages will of course be allowed them; and as the authority of 
the legislature of the State, and of the inhabitants of the ceded part 
of it, to concur in the cession will 1)0 deri^'ed from th(^ Avhole people of 
the State in their adoption of the Constitution, every imaginable objec- 
tion seems to be obviated. 



>^ 



THE PRESENT FORM OF GOVERNMENT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

The present local government of the District of Coliunl)ia is a 
municipal corporation having jurisdiction coincident with the terri- 
tory which "was ceded b}^ the State of Maryland to the Congress of 
the United States for the permanent seat of the Government of the 
United States" (20 Stats., 102), and which had been subject to the two 
municipal governments iumiediately preceding it. 

This government is administered b}' a board of three Commissioners, 
having in general equal powers and duties. Two of them, who must 
ha\'e been actual residents of the District for three years next ))efore 
their appointment, and have during that period claimed residence 
nowhere else, are appointed from civil life by th(^. President of the 
United States, and confirmed l)y the Senate of the United States, for 
a term of three years each, and until their successors are appointed 
and qualified. Attorney-General Devens rendered an opinion Jul}^ 7, 
1880, that the term of office of an}^ Commissioner appointed from civil 
life, whose predecessor shall or shall not have served a full term of three 
years, is three years from the date of his appointment and until his 
successor shall be appointed and qualified, and not for the unexpired 
part of such predecessor's term. The other Commissioner is detailed 
from time to time by the President of the United States from the 
Engineer Corps of the United States Arm}^ and shall not be required 
to perform any other duty. (20 Stats. , 103. ) The act of June 11 , 1878, 
prescribes that the Commissioner so detailed shall have lineal rank ' 
above that of captain; but this requirement is qualified by the joint 
resolution approved December 2-1, 1890 (26 Stats., 1113), which pro 
vides that he — ^ 

may, in the discretion of the President of the United States, be detailed from among 
the captains or officers of liigher grade having served at least fifteen years in the 
Corps of Engineers of the Army of the United States. 

Three officers of the same corps, junior to said Commissioner, may 
be detailed to assist him by the President of the United States. (28 
Stats., 246.) 

The senior officer of the Corps of Engineers of the Army who shall 
for the time being be detailed to act as assistant (and in case of his 



142 GOVKKNMKNT OF TlIK DISTKK'T OF COI.UMJJIA. 

tibseiu'c from \\\v Di.strict or di,s5i])ilitv, tlic junior olliciM- so detailed) 
.shall, in tiie event oi" tho absenee I'l-oin the District or disabilltv of the 
Commissioner who shall for the time bein^- be (letaih'd from Ihi^C'orps 
of Kn^'inccrs, i)crform all tlu^ duti(\s imj)os(>d by law u\h)\\ said (bm- 
missioner. (2H Stats., U la.) 

It has been tlu^ unvarying- practice of the I'i-esid(«nts to appoint one 
of the civil Commissioners from each of the two most prominent 
national political parties, but there is no statutoi'y provision on the 
subject. 

SALARY AND 1U)M) OF COMMISSION KUS. 

The salary of each of the Commissioners is rif'.^.ooo per annum. The 
two Commissioners appointed from civil lif(> <ii\ c bond to the United 
Statesin the sum of $50, ()()(> each. (-JO Stats., lo;]; 1>1 Stats.. 4<)(».) No 
bond is re(piired of the C^ommissioiuM- detailed from the Corps of 
Engineers. 

OATH OF OFFICIO OI'^ (X)MMISSIONERS. 

Elach of said Commissioners shall, before I'nterino- upon the dis- 
charj^e of his duties, take an oath oi' adirmation to support the C-on- 
stitiition of the I'nited States and to faithfully dischari^-i> the duties 
imposed upon him by law. (:iu Slats.. |o;5.) 

rUKSIOFNl' OF TIIK llOAKl). 

One of said Commissioners sludl be chosen |)residenl of lh(> Roard 
of Commissioners at their lirst meeting-, and ammally and whenever a 
vacancy shall occui' thereafter (20 Stats., lo;-.). (S(m^ list of (\)mniis- 
sioners and presidents of the board (pp. 210, 211). 

QUORUM. 

Any two of the Commissioners of the Hist licl of Cohunl>ia, siHiiKj 
as <i ^>'>iii'(L >^\y-\\\ constitute a (juoium for the t I'jinsaction of business 
(26 Stats., in;;). 

SUBOTA'TSTON Ol'^ DUTIKS. 

Foi- the purj)ose of facilitating' the administi'ation of the xai'ions 
municipal atlairs, tiie Conuuissioners ha\-e arrsiiiii-ed their duti(\s in sub- 
stantially three groups, and \\\\\c assigned a se\ ei-al one of these groups 
to the immediate super\ ision of t^ach Commissioner, whose I'ecommen- 
dations on the mattei-s so allotted to him ai'e ultimatcdy acted ii])on by 
himself and his colleati'ues as a board (p. 214). 

KX OFFICIO DUTIES OF COMMISSIONERS. 

One of the Commissioners is ex ollicio a member of tli(> board of 
trustees of the Reform School for Boys (21 Stats., 156), and one an 
ex officio trustee of the Columbia Hospital for Women and Lying-ir 
Asylum (ib., 157). 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 143 

I'OWKK OF AITOINTMENT AM> KEMOVAL, 

T))0 Commissioners arc ;iuthorized to abolish any ollicc, to consoli- 
dat«> two or nioi-c offices, reduce the number of cmploj^ees, remove 
from office, and make appointment to any office under them authorized 
by law. 

GENERAL DUTIES OF COMMISSIONERS. 

The Commissioners are in a general way vested with jurisdiction 
covering- all the ordinary features of municipal government. 

Althougii Congress is vested with exclusive legislative authority in 
the District of (blumbia, it has by sundry statutes empowered the 
Connnissioners to make building regulations; i)lumbing regulations; 
to niak(> and enforce all such reasonable and usual police regulations 
as they may deem necessary for the protection of li\es, limbs, health, 
comfort, and ([uiet of all ])(U-sons, and the protection of all property 
within the District, and other regidatlons of a numicii)al nature. 
The Commissioners havci from time to time exercised th(^ duty so 
devolved upon them. 

COMMISSIONERS NOT TO INCUR UNAUTHORIZED OBLIOATIONS. 

In the exercise of their duties, power, and authority they must 
make no contract nor incur any obligation other. than such contracts 
and obligations as shall be approved by Congress (20 Stats., 108). 

ESTIMATES. 

The Commissioners are required to submit to the Secretary of the 
Treasury of th(> llnited States, on or before October 15 of each year, 
an estimate of the amount necessary to defray the expenses of the gov- 
ernment of the District of Columbia for the next fiscal yeai", which the 
Secretary of the Treasury shall transmit to Congress with a statement 
as to the extent to which said estimates have his approval. (20 Stats., 
104; 23 Stats., 254; 31 Stats., 1009.) 

SOURCES -OF REVENUE. 

The organic act declares that '"To the extent to which Congress 
shall approve of said estimates. Congress shall appropriate the amount 
of 50 per cent thereof; and the remaining 50 per cent of such a[)proved 
estimates shall lie levied and assessed upon the ta-xabU^ propei'ty and 
privileges in said District other than the property of tin' United States 
and of the District of Colmubia." (20 Stats., 104.) 

The several s])(>citic sources of revenue other than the amount derived 
from the United States, as its proportionate share of the expenses of 
the District government, and including special assessments, are sub- 
stantially as follows: 

Mktiiods ok Taxation in the Distkict ok Columbia. 
assessment officials. 
Assessments of both real ami personal property are made by the 
ssessor and a board of five (a<-t of July 1, 1902, and 28 Stat., 282) 



N 



144 GOVEKNMKNT OF THE mSTKIOT OF COLUMBIA. 

assistant assessors, three of said board beiiio' designated ))v the assessor 
to act as the assessors of real cstat(> and as tiie exeise board, and the 
two other members of said ])()ard (U>signated by the assessor to com- 
pose the board of person;d-tax appraisers. All ti\ e nuMnbers of said 
board of assistant ass(>ssors, toii'ether witli the ass(>s.sor, chairman, con- 
stitute tlie board of eipialization and review of ri^al-estate assessments 
and also the l)oard of personal-tax appeals. The assessor, however, 
acts as chairman ex otlicio of the several l)oards nforesaid. 'I'lie 
assessor and the members of the board of assistant assessors are 
appointed by tlu> Connnissioners, but may not be riMUovcd except for 
ineliiciency. ne_o-lect of duty, or malfeasance in ollice. The members 
of the board of assistant assessors ar(^ required to perfoi'm such other 
oliicial duties as the assessor may fi'om time to lime direct. (Act of 
July I, I!M)L>.) 

The salary of the assesst)r is $0, .')(>(» i)er annum and that of ctich of 
the meml»ers oi the board of assistant assessors Ji^o.ooo ])er anmuu (28 
Stat., 28!^, and act of July 1. llMii'). The assi'ssor is rc(|uired to fur- 
nish bond in the sum of >I^1(),()()0 (;'>() Stat., i'A'Ay), and (>ach member of 
the board nuist, before entei'in^- upon his duties, take an oath to dili- 
j»-ently, faithfidly. and iniinirtially perform the duties imposed upon 
him (2S Stat., 282). 

ISSIIC OK I.lQl'Oi: LK'ENSKS. 

No ])lace of business shall \)0 lic(Mis(Hl for the selling of iiiLoxicat ino' 
b(>vei"aii-es. b\- w hoU'salc or retail, within four hundred feet of a public 
school, i)ri\ate school, or lu)us(> of religious Avorship, exi-ept (as the 
ConunissioiuM's are adxised by tli(> corporation counsel) in case of 
hotels lia\ing twonty-hve rooms for guests and didy incorporated 
clul)s. A further condition precedent to the issue of a retail dealer's 
license is that a majority of the owners of and residents on tlu^ side 
of the sipuu'e where it is propositi to locate such place of business, and 
of the confronting" side of tlu^ opposite scpiarc, must first consent 
thereto in writing, and the oliiciu- in charge of the police precinct in 
which the j)ro[)osed plact' of business is to !)(,' shall have certilied that 
the signatun^s to such consent are genuine and that a majority of the 
residents have given their cons«Mit. 

ASH1-:SSMKNT Ol'' ItlOAL rKOI'KUTY. 

Iveal estate is assessed triennially (28 Stat., 2S2) at not less than 
two-thirds of its true value (act of July 1, l'.H)2), by the board of three 
assistant assessors (28 Stat., 282). This assessment must be completed 
on or ])efore the first Monday of January in each third year and return 
of the same made to the assessor, together with all maps, tield books, 
surveys, plats, and all notes and memoranda concerning said assess- 
ment. The assessment nuist be ma(h> by said assessors from actual 
view and from the best sources of information obtainabh\ 

The assessment then passes to the board of equalization and review, 



GOVEKNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 145 

composed of tin; assessor, chairman, and five (act of July 1, 1902, and 
28 Stat., 282) assistant assessors. This board convenes on the first 
Monday of January (28 Stat., 282), and continues in session until 
review of the assessment is completed, which nmst ])e, as nearly as 
practicable, by the first Monday of June in each third year. Public 
notice of the time and place of such meeting- must T)e oiven l)y publi- 
cation for two successive da} s in two dail>' newspapers in th(^ District 
of Columl)ia. The membei's of the said board are authorized to 
administer oaths or affirmations, to summon, through the officers of 
the Metropolitan police force, any person to appear before said ])oard 
to testify touchino- matters pertaining- to the assessment, such witnesses 
being' allow(Hl the same fees as paid in civil actions befon> the supreme 
court of the District of Columbia. 

Any person sunnnon(^d and examined, as aforesaid, and knowingly 
making false oa(h or affirmation is considered guilty of perjury, and 
upon conviction thereof may bo piunshed according to laws for pun- 
ishment of perjury. (28 Stat., 285.) 

Any three members of said board shall constitute a quorum for busi- 
ness, and in the absence of the assessor a temporary chairman may be 
selected. It is th(> duty of the Ixiard of e(]ualization and review to 
hear ai)peals from ])roperty owners, and to fjiirly and impartially 
equalize, as a basis for taxation, the values placed upon real property 
by the board of assistant assessors. In rc^aching their determination 
they may raise the valuations of such tracts or lots as, in their opinion, 
ma}' have been returned ])elow their value, and reduce the valuations 
of such as they may l)elievc to have been returned aboA'c their value, 
to such sums as, in their opinion, may be the value thereof. Upon 
completion of the duties of the board of equalization and review the 
assessment must be approved by the Commissioners of the District of 
Columbia, after which approval it becomes the basis of taxation for 
the ensuing three years. (28 Stat., 281.) 

Ammally, on oi- a])out the 1st of July, the lioard of assistant assessors 
is I'cquired to make a list of all real property which shall have become 
subject to taxation, and which is not then on the tax list, and to fix 
the valuation thereof according to the rules prescribed for assessing 
real estate. They are also required to make a retui-n of all new struc- 
tures erected or roofed, and additions to, or improvements of, old 
structures of over $500 in value, which shall not have been theretofore 
assessed, specifying the tract or lot on which each of such structures 
shall havG been erected and the \'alue of such structure, and they shall 
add such valuation to the assessment made of such tractor lot. When 
improvements on any tract or lot })ecome damaged or destroyed, the 
l)oard is required to reduce the assessment on such property to the 
extent of such damage. 

Appeals from these yearly assessments are heard by the .board of 
14218—03 10 



146 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

equallziitioii aiul review be tAveen the tir.st and thinl Mouday.s of July 
of each year. 

If the board t)f assistant assessors shall asccrtani that any real prop- 
erty has \)vQ.n omitted from assessment for any previous year or years, 
or has been so assessed that the assessment was void, they nuist at 
once reassess such property for each year of sucli omission and report 
the same, through the assessor, to the collector of taxes, who is required 
to at once proceed to collect the taxes so in arrears as other taxes are 
collected. However, no property which has escaped taxation is liable 
for a period of more than three years pi'ior to assessment, except in 
the case of propei'ty involved in litigation. 

Whenever a sul)division of any real ])ro])erty is made and recorded 
with the sur\eyor of the District the ])oard of assistant assessors must 
reassess the property so sul)divided, and the tax on such reassessment 
is due and payable at the semiannual paynuMit of taxes next ensuing". 
(28 Stat., 1^S4 and 2S5.) 

KATE OF TAXATION. 

Tlu> rate of taxation is uniforndy,.thi'()ughout the Distrietof C'olum- 
bia. li per cent. (Act of July 1. LDO'J.) 

HOOKS OK ASSKtSSMKNT. 

"^riie books of assessment are pre])ar(>d by the assessoi* before the 
1st day of No\einber in each year, and ui)on completion thereof the 
assessor is requii'(Ml to makt^ a statement showing the total amoimt of 
the assessment of both V(\\\ and personal property and the total amount 
of taxes to be collected undei' said assessments; which statement must 
be receipted by the collector of taxes, in triplicate, and said collector 
is held responsible, und"r his bond, for all such taxes, except such as 
he may not be able to collect after fully complying with the require- 
ments of law. The original receipt of said assessment and taxes nmst 
))e forwarded l)y the assessor to the First (\)mptr()ller of the Treasury, 
the duplicate to th(^ auditor of the District of C/olumbia, and the trip- 
licate is to b(^ retained 1)y the collector. (2T Stat., !;>.) 

All real propiM'ty nuist be assessed in the name of the owner or 
trustee or ti'ustees of tlu> owner thereof. All undivided real property 
of a d(H-i'ased person may be assessed in tlie name of siu-h deceased 
person until the stune is di\ided according to laAV, oi" otherwise passed 
into the possession of some other person or persons, and all real prop- 
erty the ownership of which is unknown shall be assessed "Owner 
unknown."' (28 Stat., 2S2.) 

TAX BILLS. 

All general t;ix bills must ))e prepared under the direction of the 
assessor. (27 Stat., J 3.) By ord(n' of the Conunissioners, all special 
assessment and water-main tax bills are also prepared under his 
supervision. 



GOVEKNMENT OF THE DISTEICT OF COLUMBIA. 147 



DATE OF PAYMENT OF TAXES. 



Taxes on realty are levied by fiscal 3^ears and arc i)ayal)ie one-half 
in November, at tlic option of the owner, no penalty accruing for fail- 
ure to pay said hall" until the whole tax becomes due in the following- 
May. For failure to pay before the 1st of June, 1 per cent per month 
penal t}' is charg-ed. (Act of Februarj- 11, 1902.) 



I'UBLIC INSPECTION OF RECORDS. 



The assessor is re(|uir(Hl to have the records of his office open to the 
inspection of th(^ ])iil)lic, free of charge, at sucli time or times as the 
public interest will permit. (Act of Jidy 1, l*,)0!i.) 



EXEMPTIONS OF REM, PKOPEKTY. 



I'he act of C-ongrcss approved March 8, 1877, made the following- 

pr<)\'isions as to exemptions from taxation: 

Tliat the property exempt from taxation under this act shall t)c^ the following 
and no otfier, namely, first, the Corcoi-an art building, free piihlic library buildings, 
churches, the Soldiers' liome, and grounds actually occupied by such buildings; 
secondly, houses for tiie reformation of offenders, almshouses, buildings belonging 
to institutions of purely public charity conducted without chai-ge to inmates, profit, 
or income; cemeteries dedicated and used solely for burial purposes and without 
private income or profit; but if any portion of any such building, house, grounds, 
or cemeteries so in terms excepted is larger tlian is absolutely retjuired and actually 
used for its legitimate jnir])ose and none other, or is used to secure a rent or income, 
or for any business purpose, such portion of the same, or a sum eipuil in value to 
such portion, shall l)e taxed against the owner of said building or grounds. (19 
Stat., S99.) 

This has )>eeii modified by the act of Jul}' 1, 1902, which provides: 

That hereafter property used for educational purposes that is not used for i^rivate 
gain shall be exempt from taxation, and all other property used for educational 
purposes shall be assessed and taxed as other I'roperty is assessed and taxed. 

And by District appropriation law of March 8, 1903, as follows: 

And hereafter no property except that of the United States or the l)istric;t of 
Columbia and property owned by foreign governments for legation purposes shall 
be exempt from assessments for improvements. 

SALES FOR DELINQUENT TAXES. 

The assessor is recpilred to anmially prepare a list of taxes on real 
property in arrears on the ist day of July. The Commissioners nmst 
fix a date of sale and publish the list with notice of sale in ;i ])aniphlet, 
of which not less than 2,000 copies must be printed for distribution to 
taxpayers applying therefor. The Commissioners nmst also give 
notice by advertisement, twice a week for three successive weeks, 
beginning on the third Monda}^ of February of each year, in three 
daily newspapers published in the District, that the pam|)hlet has been 
printed and that a copy thereof will be given to any taxpayer apply- 
ing therefor at the oflice of the collector of taxes. In said pamphlet 
a description of property sufficient to identify the same is considered 
a proper description. The expenses of advertising and printing of 



148 GUV EKNMENT OF TUE DISTKICT UE CULUaMBlA. 

paiiiphlcl avo paid l)v a charoo of 50 cents \'ov each lot or piece of 
property advertised. 

If the taxes due, tog-ethev with piMiaities and costs, shall not have 
been paid prior to date of sale, the pi'opertv must l)e sold ])v the col- 
lector of taxes, undei" direction ol" the C'onunissioners, at pul)lic auction 
in the collector's ollice, said sale connnencino- at least three weeks after 
first ])ul)lication of said notice and continuing- (MU'h day (Sundays and 
holida\s exce])ted) until all said dclintiuent ])roperty is>-sold. 

The collectoi' niiist rccinirc I'l'oni every purchaser a. dej)osil sullicient, 
in his jud<4'nicnt, to guarantee a lull and liiial settlement foi' such pur- 
chase. K\'ery purchaser otht'r than the Disti'ii-t of Columhia shall 
pay the full amount of his hid, includini;- surplus, if :iny. to the col- 
lector within lix'e days after last day of sale, and if such i)ayment is 
not mad(> within time specilied, deposit of [hm-sou so failino- to pay 
shall l)e forfeittnl to tlu' District of C\)lumhia, and collector shall issue 
certilicat(> of sale for such property to tlu' n(>xt hiy'liest bidder; and if 
the latter shall not pay the amount of his bid wilhin t\\(> days there- 
after, the sales upon which the bids wvvc made shall be s(>t aside by the 
Connuissioners, and the property shall be considei'(>d as ]ia\'in^' been 
bid in in the name of the Disti'ict of Columbia. 

In case iioother })erson t)ids.or bidsai'c insullicient to co\-cr aniomit 
of taxes due, together with ])enalties and costs, the colUn'tor shall bid 
the amount due, together with ])enalties and costs, and purchase it for 
the District; hut ])r()i)erty so bid in for the District of C'ohunbia is not 
thereafter exempt from taxation. Failure on the part of the District 
to enforce tlu^ liens thus acipiircd (lo(>s not reK>ase property fi'om any 
tax that may be d\w the District. 

lunnediately after close of sale, upon payment of ])urchase mone}', 
the colI(>ctor uuist issue to all purchasei's ccrtilicates of sale, and if the 
projHU'ty is not rediH'med from stiid sale within two ycai-s from last day 
thereof l»v paymcMit to the colh^-tor for th(> use of tli(> holder of the 
certilicate the amount for which j)roperty was sold, c.\clusi\(' of sur- 
plus, and 12 per cent per aniuun thereon, a deed nmst be given by the 
Commissioners to the holder of tlu> certilicate, which (.U'cd is admitted 
to be prima facie e\ idence of a fee-sinn)le title. Ko (U^'d, liow(>\'er, 
can ])e issued until all taxes and assessnuMits due on the i)roperly arc 
paid, including taxes foi- which the l)istrict purchased ])ro|)erty at tax 
sal(>. Nor nmst said deeds be extnaited if it sh:dl be disco\-ered that 
sales were for any cause invalid and ineil'ectual to pass title to i)rop- 
erty sold, in which case the (\)mmissionei-s must canctd the saU^ and 
refund the ])urchase money with (! \)cv cent per aiuuun interest, 
togetluM' with the surplus, if any. 

If any conveyance made by th(> Connnissionei-s of ])roperty sold for 
taxes shall be s(4. asid(> by th(> court, the i)a,rty in whose faxor the 
decree is rendered nuist pay to the parly holding the con\eyance the 
amount paid for such taxes and conveyances, with interest at G per 



GOVERNMENT OF THE UISTKLCT OF COLUMBIA. 149 

cent per annum. When an}^ tax sale is for an}' n^asoii set aside or 
canceled, the property embraced in said sale may be readvertised and 
sold at the tax sale next ensuing-. 

Minors and other persons under leo-jil disability arc allowed one year 
after attaining- aye oi' aftei- remo\al of sucii disal)ility to rede(>m prop- 
erty sold or bid oil by the collector of taxes by payment ol" the amount 
of purchase money with 8 per cent per amuun interest, together with 
all tax<>s and assessnuMils that have been j)aid thereon by the ])iii'chaser 
between th(> date of sale and date of redemption with S |)er cent i)er 
annum interest on the amount of such tax(^s and assessments. 

Property sold as aforesaid is rc^deemable from said sale at any time 
within two years after last day of sale by paymiMit to the collector of 
ttixes, for the use of the holder of the c(Mlilicate, the sum miMitioned 
thei'ein, exclusive of surplus, with interest thereon at 12 per cent per 
aniunn afb^r date of such certificate. 

DISroSA], Oi-' srui'LUS. 

Any surplus I'cmaining after collection of tax, penalty, etc., niust be 
deposited I)}' the collector to the credit of the surplus fund, to be paid 
to owner or owners of property in the same maimei" as other payments 
made by the District, l)ut if any property sold as aforestiid is redeemed 
from sale witliin the time allowed, the surplus collected at time of sale 
nmst bo paid to holder of c(^rtilicate. 

LIST OF SAIJOS Td HK KllJOl) Wll'II KEC'OKDEK OK DKIODS. 

The collector is re([uired, within twenty days (exclusive of Sundays 
and holidays) after last da\- of sale, tt) file with the recorder of deeds 
a written report stating property sold other than that sold to the Dis- 
trict of C()lum])ia, to whom it w;is assessed, taxes due, to whom sold, 
amount paid, date of sale, cost of sale, and surplus, if any. 

SALIO OI'' I'llOl'KKTY l!lll IN \:\ Til 10 DISTKICT. 

If property bid in foi- the District of Columbia shall not liaxc b(>en 
redeemed within two years from last day of sale by ]);iyment of taxes, 
penalties, and costs due at time of sale, and 8 p(>r cent per annum 
th(M-(>on, the ( 'onnnissioners may sell said pi-operty at public or private 
sale, and issue to the ])urchaser a deed, which shall have the same force 
and ellect as the deed provided for property sold at regular annual sale. 

The collector of taxes may, at any time before^ expiration of time 
allowcnl for redemption of property )»id in for District of (V)hnnl)ia, 
issue certillcat(\s of taxes to any person applying- therefor, and if prop- 
ert}' is not redeemed within two yetirsfrom date of said certificate, by 
payment of the fac(^ of tlu* certilicate, exclusiv(> of sur})lus and 12 per 
c(Mit per annum thei'con, the C\)nnnission(U"s shall issue a deed to the 
holder of the certilicate, which de<Hl shall have tlu^ same force and 
ellect as deeds given for propiM-ty sold at rt>gular annual tax sale. 
Deeds, however, shall not be issued, either in case of propert}^ bid in foi* 



150 (U)VEKNMKNT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMIJIA. 

the District which has not been icHlcciiicd w itiiiii two years, or pro])(M-ty 
hid ill for Ihc Disti'lct upon which cxu'tilicatcs of sale arc issued within 
redenii)ti()n period, unh'ss all taxes and assessments due on tlie prop- 
erty are paid; nor if th(> saU' (o Ihe District was for any cause iin^alid 
or ineffectual to o-ive title to Ihc property. (Acl 'IuIn' f . I'.'O'i.) 

LIST dl'' I'KIII'IOIM'Y SOI.I) !<'( H; 'I'/WIOS (il'ION 'I'd ITIil.ir 1 NSl'hlt 'Til )\. 

■ The assessoi' is i'c(|uirc(l to prc|)arc and kecj) in his o11ic(\ foi' public 
inspection, a list (if all real estate sold I'oi' non])ayni('nt of ^-eniM-al or 
special taxes or assessments, said list to show the date of sal(\ for what 
taxes sold, in wliost^ name assessed at, time of sale, amoimt of sale, 
when and t<» whom convey(Kl. if deeded, oi-if re(|eenied from sale, the 
date of redemption. (27 Stat., l'>7.) 

C()L1,I0("I'I()N' AND DIOI'OSrr i)V KlCVIONin-'.S. 

It is the duty of tlui collector of taxes foi- the District of Columbia 
to colle<,'t all re\'enues of the District anddei)osit the amount collected 
daih' with the 'rr<'asurer of the Tnitcd States, and he is held responsi- 
ble under his bond foi' all taxes except such as he may not \m able to 
collect after fully com])lyinu' with the re(|uirem(Mits of law. (20 Stat., 
4f')l; 27 Stat., l:*..) 

Section 2 of th(> District aj)propriati()n law of Marcli )>, 1S8I>, pro- 
scribes- — 

Thai licrcal'lcr all iiioneyH u))])roprialc(l lor llic cxik'UHch of liic jiovciinuciit el' llie 
Districlcf ('(iluiiiliia, l()<.a'lli(T w illi all i-cvcmics of Ilie Itislricl of Coliiinl)ia, from 
taxes or otherwise, nhall bedrposiled in tiie 'i'reasniv of Ihe I'nilcil Slale.s, as re(|nire(l 
by tlie provisions of section 4 of an act apjiroved .Tune 1 I, 1S7<S. {2'2 Stat., -170.) 

The (■(ilieclor of taxes siiail at liu' elose of eacli (lay'si-ollcctioiis, niakeau aggregate 
of tlie amount so collected, anil furnish to Ihe auditor acopy thereof. ( l>. A. 248.) 

cKi;'rii'"iici) s'rATK.MKN'rs oh" tamos. 

The assessor is i-e(piired to furnish cci'tilied statements, o\'(U- his hand 
and official s(Mi1, of all taxes and assessmeids, o(>nei'al and special, that 
may l)e dtu^ and iiii[)aid at the time (d" makino' said certilicates. For 
each certiticate a fee of 50 cents must be jKiid to tlie collector of taxes, 

Wluui such certilicat(> is issued, it is a bar to tlie collection fi"oiu any 
subs(M[uent purchaser of any tax or assessment omitted from, and 
which may be it lien upon the real estate mentioned in, said certificate; 
])ut such omission does not affect the liability of the person \\ho owned 
the propert}' at the time such tax was assessed. (27 Stat., y>7.) 

KKASSIOSSMKN'I'S. 

The Connuissioners of the District of Columbia, aie authorized and 
directed, in cases where general taxes or assessments for local improve- 
nients are quashed, set aside, or diM hired void by tlie supreme court of 
the District of Colum])ia by reason of imperfect oi- erroneous descrip- 
tion of the property against w hi( h same was levied, b^- reason of such 
tax or assessment not having- l)een authenticated by proper officer, by 
reason of a defective i(»tui'n of service of notice, or for any technical 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMIUA. 151 

reason other tluiii the ri^lit of tlio public authorities to levy the tax or 
assessirient, to reassess the property in (Question, with power to collect 
such reassessment. Said reassessment, however, must be made within 
ninety days after judgnietit oi- decree of court quashing- or setting 
aside such taxes or assessments. Any amount theretofore paid on the 
assessment which lias })e('n declared void shall be credited upon the 
reassessment. (29 Stat., U8, and 30 Stat., 721.) 

DESIGNATIONS OF I'ARCUiLS f>F LAND. 

A(;t of Mai'ch .'i, l.sl>i), prescribed a system for immberino- each lot, 
part of lot, or parcel of land in the District of Columl)ia. The ol)ject 
of this act was to ])i'<)('ur(' uniformity in this respect and to prevent 
duplications in nunibcrs. 

TKANSCRIPTS OF DEEDS, WILLS, ETC. 

Act of March ?>, 1899, section 3, is as follows: 

That the Coniinissioners of the District of Columbia shall cause to be made a 
daily transcrii)t and entry on the records of said assessor of the designations of 
lots or ]>arccls of land in said District appearing in instruments of conveyance 
received for rcc'ord in thc^ ollice of the recorder of deeds and the designations of 
lots or parcels of land in said District transferred by probated wills; and the per- 
son or persons whom the Commissioners of said District may designate for the 
purpose of making sucli transcrijjts shall fortius purpose at all times, during oflice 
hours, have full access to the records of the recorder of deeds and tlie register of 
wills of said Distric't. * * * 

Special Assessments. 

assessment and j'ermit work. 

'llie Connnissioners of the District of Columbia ar(i authorized (28 
Stat., 247 and 2-18), whenever in their judoment the same is necessary 
for the public health, safety, or comfort, or when application is made 
therefor, accompanied by a deposit equal to one-half the estimated 
cost of the work, to improve and repair al]e3'S and sidewalks, and to 
construct sewers and sidewalks of such form and materials as they may 
determine, and to ])ay tlu^ total cost of said work fi'om ai)pr()priations 
for assessuKMit and permit work. 

Notice nuist be given by advertisement, twice a week for two weeks, 
in two news])apers published in the city of Washington, of any such 
assessment work proposed to l)e done, designating the location and 
kind of work, specifying the kind of materials to be used, the esti- 
mated cost, and lixing a time and place when and where property 
owners about to bo assessed may appear and present objections thereto 
and for hearing thereof. One-half of the total cost of such improve- 
ments, including ex])enses of assessment, must be charged against and 
become a lien upon abutting prop(U'ty, and assessment therefor must 
be levied pro rata according to the linear frontage of such proj^erty. 

Notices of the levying of such assessments nuist be served upon 
each lot owner, if he or she be a resident of the District and his or her 
residence known; and if he or she be a nonresident of the District, or 



l52 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OK COLUMBIA. 

liis or her residence iiiikiiowM, such iiolicc must he ser\'e(l upon liis or 
lun- ay-eut or tenant, as the case may l)e; and if (hei'e h(> no ag-ent or 
tenant known to th(^ Commissioners, then thev shall L;i\(' notice of such 
assessment hy adxcrtisement, twice a week for I wo weeks, in some 
newspaper published in (he District. Service of such notice where 
owner oi- his or her tenant- or ;io-(>nt resi(h's in Ihc District nuist be 
either ])ers()nal oi" by leavino- the same with some person of suitable 
ag"(\ at th(^ i'esid(>nce or ])lace of businciss of such ao-(>nt, owner, or 
tenani, and return of such sei'\ice must be made in writini.'- and tiled 
in the ollicc^ of the C'ommissionei's. The costs of [)ublication of notice 
and sei"vice of notices are paid (»ut of tiit^ appi'opriation for assessment 
and [)erniit woi'k. 

Onedialf of the cost of such woi'k must i>e })aid to the collector of 
taxes as follows: One-thii'd within sixty days after sei'\ice of notice 
of assessment, without inter(\st; on<' third within one year. :md the 
remaindei' within two years fiom date of sei"\ice of notice, interest 
being- charged at S \)ov cent i)ei' aiunun fi-om dntc of sei'\ice of notice 
on amounts un])aid at expiration of sixty days after s(M'\ ic(^ of notice 
of assessment. 

Any pi-o))ei-ty upon which such assessment and accrued interest 
thereon, or any part thereof, remains unpaid at expii'ation of twoyc^ars 
from date of serxice of notice of ass(\ssment, shall be sid)ject to sak^ 
therid'or under (lie sami^ conditions and penalties imposed for non})ay- 
ment of general taxes. If any [)r<)])erty, ass(>ssed as heretofore 
exi)lained, shall become liable to sale for any otiier assessment or tax 
whatever, then the assessments levied as hereinbefore explained l)ecomc 
innnediately due and payable, and tho property against which they are 
levied may \)o sold therefor, togethei- with tlie accru<'d interest thereon 
and the costs of advertising to date of such sale. 

Pro]:)erty owners who recpiest iin[)i'o\ements under the ])ermit system 
must deposit, in advance, with the collector of taxes, an amouid ecjual 
to onedialf the estimated cost of such improvements, and in such cases 
it is not necessary to gi\-e notices, as h(M'einl)ef(')re stated. 

All moneys receix'cd by the colhH'toi' of taxes foi- woi-k done upon 
request of pro|)erty owners nmst \io d(>posited by him in the Knifed 
States Ti-easury to th(> crcnlit of the permit fund. 

Upon completion of the work done, as aforesaid, at i-e(|uestof prop- 
erty owners, the Commissioners must repay to th(^ then cui'i-ent appro- 
priation for assessment and permit work, out of the permit fund, a 
sum equivalejit to one-half the cost of the work, and shall retuiii to 
the depositors from the said fund, when application is made therefor, 
any surplus that may remain over and abo\e one-half tln^ cost of the 
work. (28 Stat., 247 and 24S.) 

llOUSi:; CONNECTIONS. 

The cost of service connections with water mains and sewers are 
assessed against the lots for which said connections are made, and 



(GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUM15IA. 158 

colloctod in same manner and upon same (conditions as to notice, as 
provided for assessment work. (^8 Stat., 248.) 

OPENINCi, VVIDKNINd, EIC, OF MINOIl STJJEKTS AM) AI.LKYS. 

In the opening, widening-, extending, or sti'aigbt(>ning of minor 
streets or alk\vs the Commissioners arc authorized to make application 
in writing to llic marshal of the Distri(;t of Columbia to summon and 
imj)ancl a jury of twclxc citizcms who have no interest in th(» real 
estah' in cjucstion. Jt is the duty of the marshal to sunnnon and 
impanel the jury, who, having taken oaths in writing to discharge the 
duties imposed upon them, shall ascertain and appraise the damages 
which may accrue to any real estate by said opening, widening, extend- 
ing, or straightening of minor sti'ccts or allej's, which damages shall 
be the \'alue of the land at the time of taking. Said jury shall file a 
statement in writing in the office of the Conmiissioners of the District 
of Colmuliia, and a du])licate in the ofHce of the recordei- of deeds, of 
the damages so ascertained and a[)})raised, and the amount thereof 
must l)e paid b}- the District of Columl)ia to the persons respectively 
entitled thereto out of an}^ funds availal)le therefor. 

The jur}^ shall also apportion, according to the beneiits sustained by 
each lot or part of a lot of land in said s((uare by the opening, widen- 
ing, extending, or straightening of such minor street or alley, the 
amount of said damages ascertained and appraised as aforesaid, includ- 
ing $;■) for ser^■ice of marshal when actually employed and $5 per diem 
for s(>rvice of each of said jurors when actually empkn-ed. The jury 
shall make return of said apportionment to th(^ recorder of deeds and 
the Connnissioners of the District of Columbia, designating each lot 
or part of lot of land in sucii s(^uare so benefited and tlu^ amounts so 
apportioned to each, respectively. In case of failure to pay the 
amounts so ap])ortioned, the Conmiissioners, or some one designated 
by them, must, levy an assessment upon each lot or part of lot of land 
in accordance with such apportionment, the same to be collected as 
other special assessments upon real estate are collected, said assess- 
ments, however, jjearing Interest at the rate of 10 pei- cent per annum. 

The marshal must give at least ten days' written notice to each pro- 
prietor of land allected of the time and place of the meeting of such 
jurors, return of service of notice to be made ))y the marshal to the 
Couuiiissioners, the manner of delivery of such notices being more par- 
ticularly described in section 1613 of the Code of Laws of the District 
of Cohuubia. ((V)de, 1608 to 1613.) 

EXTENSIONS OF STREETS AND AVENUES. 

In the case of extensions of streets and avenues provided for by law, 
the Connnissioners are authorized to petition the supreme court of the 
District of Columbia for the condemnation of land necessar}' for such 
extension, said court appointing a jury for that purpose, and the 
jury making return of benefits and damages to abutting property. 



154 GOVr:RNMENT OK TITK DISTKIOT OF COTATMBIA. 

Assessments ar(> thou levied for IxMictils (o nhiittiuo- property, sucli 
assessments bcino- piival)l(' in \\yo (M|ual annual inslalhuents, with 
interest at 4 per cent pei' aniuun after sixty <lays from eoniirmation of 
V(M-(lict of jury; l)ut in cas(\s of awards for daniaii-cvs only that pai1 of 
said award is ])aid by tlie District as may l»e in excess of assessment 
for henelits. and tiier(> is credited on ass(\ssment foi- henelits th(> amount 
of any award for dania_i;"(\s not in excess of said ass(\ssiuent. 

If the a,u'<i'r(\ii'ate amount of IxMuMits to 1)0 assessed as deternuned by 
the jury is h>ss thsin on(^dialf of (h(> amount of award for dania^'es, the 
Commission(>rs may, in their discreli<Hi, reject the award and ass(^ss- 
ment, and all ])i'oceedinL!,s (hereunder shall in that event be mdl and 
void. (Act of June (i, liMH).) 

ASSKSSAUONTS I''(>K WATIOK MAINS. 

The Commissioners of the l>isti'ictof C'ohmd)ia shall have (he poAver 
to lay water mains and water pipes and to erect lire plugs and hydrants 
wherever the same may l)e, in their jud,^"mtMd, necessary for the public 
safety, comforl. or health. (2V> Stats., l.Mt.) They shall hav(> all (he 
powers and be subject to all (he du(iesan<l limhations pi-o\ ided in 
chapter N of (he Revised Statutes of th(> Tnited States relating- to the 
District of C'ohuubia, e.\ce})tino- such powers and dudes as belono- (o 
the Chief of I'aioineers. (21 Stats., !».) 

Wiit(M--main taxes and water rents shall be unib)rm in said District, 
(lb.) 

Assessments for layinj;- water mains shall \)v at the rate of ^[.2^j per 
linear front foot aiiiiinst all lots or land abuttino- upon (he street, road, 
or alley in which tl'.e wa(er main shall be laid. CoiMier lols shall l)e 
taxed only on (heir front, with a di>p(!i of not exceediuiL;- bH) feet; any 
excess of the other front over 100 b>et shall be subject to abov(> rate of 
assessnuMit. (28 Stats., 275.) 

Own(M-s of ])roperty all'tH-ted nuist be notilied that the same has been 
assessed bv a notice to be ser\(Ml upon such ()wn(M- if ho oi" she be a 
resident of (h(> District of Cohuubia and his or luM- residence known. 
If tiio owner boa nonresiden(, or his or \iov residence unknown, notice 
shall b(» scrvetl upon his oi- her ae-ont or tenant. Service of such 
notice, wher(> (he owni^r or his or her a^'cnt or ((Miant resid(\s in the 
District of Cohuubia, shall be either p(U'sona! or by leaving- the same 
with some ])ers()n of suital)le a^-o at tlu^ residence^ oi" place of business 
of such owner, aj^'ont, or tenant, and return of such siu-vice, stating- the 
manner thereof, shall bo made in wi-itmg and liltnl in the office of the 
Conunissioiuu-s. If there bono agent or t(Mian( ktiown to the Com- 
missioners, notice of assessment shall b(> gi\-en, by the ollicer desig- 
nated by the Commissioners to perfoi'm that didy, by advertisement, 
once a w^eelc for two successive weeks, in some daily newspai)er pub- 
lished m said Dislrict. In said ])ublication each several piece of prop- 
ert\ must bo d(>scribed m separate paragraphs, and the costs of such 



GOVERNMP]NT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 155 

publication must be added to amount of assessment and collec' ^'^ ia 
the same manner that the assessment is collected. (Act of J'ebruarj 
21, 1901.) 

Assessments ai-e pa-jilble in three. eqiml .in;^;.jilinents, the first being; 
puyable, without interest, within thirty days from the service of notice 
or of last pul)lication of notice of assessment, as the case may be; the 
scco'id within one year and th(> third witliin two yt'ai's from date of 
such service or of last jjublication of notice, interest at <; per cent })er 
antiiiiii ))eiiii;- charoed on all amounts remainino- uM})aid at the expira- 
tion of thirty days from date of s<M"yice of notice or of last puhlicatiou 
of such notice. (Ildd.) 

If, however, the entii'c assessment is paid within thirty days from 
date of service of notice a discount of (! per cent is allowed. (L. A., 
June 23, 18T?>.) 

Any parc(d of land the entire area of which was assessed for water 
main b}^ the square foot, and su("h assessment paid under the provisions 
of act of legislative assembly approved .Tune -2'.), lsT.'5. is (wempt from 
further ass(\ssuient for water main, (ll)id.) 

If water-main assessments are quashed or set asid(> l>y the court by 
reason of !iny technicality, the Commissionei's are authorized to reas- 
sess the lot or parcel of land against which assessment was levied, but 
such reassessment nmst be made within thirty days from date of can- 
cellation. (Act of July s, 1898, and 29 Stat., 98.) 

The levy, assessment, or reassessment of water-main tax for water 
mains laid prioj- to June 2, 1900, becomes due, paya})ie, and collectible 
on each lot, parcel of land, or premises on and after the date on which 
tlie connection is made from tlu^, water main to the said lot. parcel of 
land, or premises; but assessments for mains laid sul)se(juent to June 
2, 1900, IxH-ame du(\ payable, and collectible imm(>diat(dy after the 
levy, regardless of the date of the introduction of water. (.10 Stats,, 
722.) 

Outside of the city of Washington assessments again.st land not sub- 
divided into blocks and lots must be niiide on a frontage of not exceed- 
ing 100 feet for each lot or parcel of land, and shall be eonsidercHl in 
any subsequent su))division as extending to a d(q)tii of not exc(>eding 
100 feet from the front of said lot or parcel of land. (:;() Stats., 722.) 

^Vater-main assessments nuist be levied and authenticated by the 
Conjmissioners of the District of Columbia, who nmst designate the 
official whose duty it is to notify the owner or agent of any lot or land 
of such assessments. (30 Stat., 722.) The assessor was designated for 
this duty by onk'r of Commissioners dated November 17, 1900. 

In any assessment or reassessment levied under provisions of act of 
Jidy 8, 1898, ownei- of lot or parcel of land assessed must be credited 
with an}' amount which may have been paid prior to date of said act 
upon any water-main assessment levied against such lot or parcel of 
land. (30 Stat., 722.) 



156 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

*11P^^C<Jc?i^ of service connections with water mains and sewers shall 
be assessefi' ulT'iinst the lots for which said connections are niadp, and 
shall be collected in the same manner and upon the «r^/e conditions as 
to notice as herein provictec!; fel^agse^sment- -,ihvik. (28 Stats., 247.) 

All money's received on account of laying of water mains and all 
other moneys received on account of the water department must 1)e 
deposited to the credit of the water fund, to ])o us(k1 e>a'lusively for 
tlie support of the water department. (L. A.. June 23. IST?).) 

]Vo XJ/r(y'(f/ asxi'xxiih'iifx d I'c hrlcd far fhi' cosf of (/i'<l(hit(J <>r jxi rtiKJ 

ctirrktgewayx. 

ASSKSS.MKN'l'S FOK RIOMI )V I N( i (Hi SECURING DAN(i f^Hors STKrCTl'RES. 

The costs of remo\iiiij;- or securino-, ))y the District of Columbia, 
dangerous structures, upon refusal or neglect of owners to perform 
such work after chl(^ notice', nmst be assessed agabist the land upon 
which structure or structures stand or stood, and unless sucii assess- 
ment is paid within ninety days fi-om ser\ice of notice the sana^ shall 
bear interest at ratc^ of b' pei- cent per aiuumi from date of assessment 
until paid and shall he collected as general taxes are collected. (30 
Stat, 123.) 

ASSESSMENTS FOK INCLOSIX(! I )A NC '. EROl'S WELLS, ETC. 

The cost of fencing or otherwise inclosing, t)y the District of Colum- 
bia, lots upon which exist uncovered wells or other dangerous holes 
or excavations, after neglect or refusal of owner to perform such work 
upon due notice, shall be assessed as a tax agabist ihe property on 
which such nuisanc(\s exist, the tax so assessed to hear interest at rate 
of 10 per cent pei- annum and to he carried on regular tax rolls and 
collected in manner ])ro\ided for collection of other taxes. (30 Stat., 
924.) 

ASSESSJIENTS FOK KEM()\AL OF WEEDS. 

The expense of removal. l>y the District of Colunihia, of weeds of 
1 inches or more in height from inioccupie(l laiAl in the city of Wash- 
ington or its mor<> densely' populated su])urhs, upon failure or n(\gloct 
of owner to perform such work, shall be assessed against the propert}^ 
on which such weeds were located, and said ass(\ssments shall bear 
interest at rate of 10 per cent per annum until paid, shall be carried on 
regular tax rolls of the District, and paid in manner provided for col- 
lection of general taxes. (30 Stat., 059.) 

ASSESSiMENTS FOR DRAlNINCi LOTS. 

In case owner or owners of lots, after due notice, fail or neglect to 
connect such lots with water mains and sewers, as required In-law, the 
Commissioners shall cause such connections to he made, the expense 
to be paid out of the emergencj^ fund, such expense, with necessary 
costs of advertising, to be assessed as a tax against such lots, which tax 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 157 

shall be curried on regular tax rolls and Ix^ (;ollected in uiauner pro- 
vided for collection of other taxes. (29 Stat., 126.) 

The Commissioners are also authorized to make such connections 
upon any street or avenue al)out to ])e paved or otherwise improved 
l)efore any such pavement or other permanent works are put down, the 
costs of such connections to be assessed as explained above. (20 Stat., 
107; 28 Stat., Ill; 20 Stat., 126.) 

SPECIAL POLICEMEN AT STREET-KAILW A V CROSSINGS. 

The CommissioniM-s are authorized and j-('((uir('<l to station special 
policemen at such street-railway crossinj^'s and intersections in the city 
of Washington as they may deem necessary, the expense of such serv- 
ices to be paid pro rata by the respective railway companies. (?>0 
Stat., 189.) 

ASSESSMENTS FOR CLEANINC! OF OFFENSIVE CESSPOOLS. 

For cleaning oti'ensive cesspools, l)y the District of Cokunbia, in 
cases where owners or other responsible parties fail or neglect to per- 
form such work, after due notice, the Commissioners are authorized 
to assess the cost thereof as a tax against the property ])enefited, 
which t;ix shall ])e carried on the regular tax roll and collected in the 
manner provided for colU>ction of other taxes. ' (30 Stat., 233.) 

LKillTINd TRACKS OF STEAM RAILWAY COMPANIES. 

All railway companies using engines propelled by steam nuist pay 
the District of Columbia for the lighting of the streets, avenues, lands, 
and grounds through ^vhicll their tracks mav be laid. In case of 
default of such pa_yment, actions at law may l)e maintained l)y the 
District of Columbia against said railway' companies. (22 Stat.. I<i6.) 

COSTS OF ERECTION OF FIRE ESCAPES. 

If the owners, proprietors, lessees, or trustees of l)uildings used as 
factories, manufactories, tenement houses, seminaiies, colleges, 
academies, hospitals, or asylums, fail to provide such buildings with 
fire escapes, standpipes, ladders, lights, and alarm gongs, as required 
by law, after due notice^ from the Connnissioners. such tire escapes, 
etc., must be erected ))}' the Commissioners, and the costs thereof 
assessed as a tax against the building on which they are erected and 
the ground upon which the same stands, and the Commissioners shall 
issue tax-lien certificates against such l)uildings and grounds for the 
ainount of such assessment, bearing interest at rate of 10 per cent per 
annum, ^vl!ich certificates may be turned over by the Commissioners 
to the contractor for performing the work. (28 Stat., 810.) 

ASSESSMENTS FOR REMOVINCi SNOW, ICE, DIR'I', ICTC. 



In case the owner or tenant of any house, lot, building, or land shall 
neglect to cause to be removed snow, ice, sand, dirt, gravel, etc., from 
paved sidewalks adjacent to said property, as required by law, the 



158 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

Commissioner.s .shall cau.se removal of same, the costs of which shall 
be assessed as a tax ag-ainst the property to which the sidewalks in 
question belong-, and the said tax so assessed shall be carried on the 
regular tax roll and collected in manner provided for collection of 
other taxes. (28 Stat., 809.) 

AJ^SESSMENTS FOR PAVIX<; STREETS ADJACENT TO STREET-RAILWAY TRACKS. 

When any street or avenue through which a street railway runs shall 
be paved, such railway companies shall l)oar all of the expense for that 
portion of the work lying- between the exterior rails of the tracks of 
such roads and for a distance of 2 feet from and exterior to such tracks, 
on each sid(^ thereof, and of keeping the same in repair; and when 
street railways cross any street or avenue the pavement between the 
tracks of such I'ailway shall, at the i^xpense of the company own- 
ing the tracks, ha made to conform to the pavement used upon such 
street or avenue. If any street-railway company shall neglect or 
refuse to i)erform the work required, said pavement shall be laid by 
the District of Columbia and the costs collected from such company 
by issuing- certificates of indcl)tedncss against the property, real or 
personal, of such railway company, which certificates shall bear inter- 
est at the rate of 10 per cent per amuun until paid, and which, until 
paid, shall reniain a lien upon the property on or against which they 
are issued, together with the franchise of said company; and if such 
certificates are not paid witliin one year the Commissioners may pro- 
ceed to sell the propert}" against which they are issued, or so much 
thereof as may be necessary to pay the amount due, such sale to be 
first advertised daily for one week in some newspaper pal)Hslied in 
the city of Washington, and to be at pul)lic auction, to the highest 
bidder! (2() Stat., KXl) 



TAXATION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY. 



The l)oai-d of y^ersonal tax appraisers consists of the assessoi", chair- 
man, and the two members of the board of assistant assessors detailed 
to that duty as hereinl)efore explained. (Act of ,Tuly 1, 11>02, and 
28 Stat., 282.) 

The assessor is recpiired to annually cause to be prepared a printed 
blank schedule of all tiingible personal property and of general mer- 
chandise, stock in trade, owned or held in trust, or otherwise, sul)ject 
to taxation, and of the classes of corporations and companies to ])e 
assessed, together with the rate of tax prescribed, to which shall be 
appended an affidavit in ])lank, setting forth that the return presents 
a full and true statement of all such personal property, taxable capital, 
or other basis of assessment, or either, as the case may be. 

When said schedule is ready for delivery, notice thereof must be 
given b}^ the assessor by advertisement for three successive secular 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 159 

days in one or inore of the daily newspapers published in the District 
of Columbia, and a copy of said schedule must be delivered to any 
citizen applying therefor at the ofhce of the assessor. These schedules 
must be tilled out and sworn to, and returned to the office of the asses- 
sor within thirty days after the last publication of advertisement. 
The members of the board of personal tax appraisers are authorized 
to administer, without charge, oathg for this purpose. For failure to 
make return within specitied time, 20 per cent of assessed valuation 
of pci'sonal property is added. 

Upon the tiling of these returns the two memljcrs of the board of 
assistant assessors designated b}^ the assessor to assess personal prop- 
erty uRist, under the direction and supervision of the assessor, assess 
personal propert}". If the botird of personal tax ap]:)raisers is not 
satistied as to the correctness of any return of personal property they 
may reject the same, and said board, or anv one of tlie members 
thereof, may, from the best information he or they can procure, by 
making such an examination of the personal property as may be 
pi'acticable, assess the same in such amount as niay to him or them 
seem just, and notice of the rejectioii of the return shall be given to 
the party interested b}' leaving the same at the address given in said 
return. 

In all cases, however, there is the right of appeal to the board of 
personal tax appeals, hereinafter referred to, within lifteen days after 
delivery of said notice of rejection. An}' person making a false affi- 
davit as to taxation of personal property is deemed guilty of perjury, 
and upon conviction is subject to the penalties provided for that 
offense. 

If the personal-tax appraisers fail to complete any of the duties 
required by law to be performed by them within the time specitied, 
the taxation based upon the same is not, by reason thereof, invalid, 
but the a})praisers must proceed with all reasonable diligence to com- 
plete such duties, and their acts are valid as if performed within the 
time provided therefor. 

If at any time within any current year propert}^ subject to taxation 
shall be discovered to have been omitted from assessment, the board 
of personal-tax appraisers shall immediately assess the same for the 
then current year, giving notice in writing to the persons or corpora- 
tion so assessed, who shall have the right of appeal within ten days 
from date of said notice. 

BOARD OF PERSONAL-TAX APPEALS. 

The board of tive (act of July 1, 1902, and 28 Statutes, 282) assistant 
assessors, with the assessor as chairman, compose a board of personal- 
tax appeals, which must convene in a place provided therefor hy the 
assessor, on^^he IStli of November in each year, public notice of the 



1()() GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTEICT OF COLUMBIA. 

time and pliico of such meeting having been given by advertisement 
for two consecutive secular days in two daily newspapers published 
in the District of Columbia. It is (he (hity of this board. b(>t\\H'(>n the 
day of con\ening and December ir» of (>ach year, to hear all ai)peals 
mad(^ t)V any person or ])ers()ns against the assessments made by the 
l)oard of })ersonal-tax appraisers, and to imi)artially e(iuali/(^ the \ abla- 
tion of said personal })roperiy as the basis for assessnuMit. 

Anv four memlxM's of said board shall constitute a (|uoruni for busi- 
ness, and ill the absence of the assessor a temporai'y chairniaii nuiy be 
chosen. The board is empowered to diminish or iiici'(>ase such assess- 
ments as they may belie\«' to \va\v been retui"iied at other tiiaii their 
true \alue to sucii amount as in t heir opinion maybe the \ alue tluM'cof, 
and the action of the boai'cl in such cases is linal. 

DISTUAINT AND SALK. 

When the taxes on personal ])ropcrty due and j)ayable in each year 
shall not be paid on or before the 1st of June, the collector of taxes or 
his deputy may distrain sullicient goods :uid chatt(ds found within the 
District of C'olumbia and belonging to the i)erson charged with such 
tax to pay the taxes remaining due, together with tlu^ ]ienalty tlien^on, 
and the costs that may accrue; and for want of such goods and chattels 
said collector of taxes may levy u})on and sell ni auction the estate and 
interest of such person in any parcel of liiiid in said dist rict; and in the 
case of the le\y on any estate or iutcu'cst in land the ])r()ceediiigs subse- 
((uenttosale thereof are the same as pro\'ided by law in the case of sales 
for arrears of taxes against real estate; and in cas(^ of distraint of per- 
sonal property or the lev}' upon real estate, as afori'said, the collector of 
tax(^s must imnunl lately proceed to advertise th(>saine by public notice, 
to be posted in the office of said colUu-tor, and by advertisement three 
times within one week, in one or more of the daily news})apei"s pub- 
lished in said District, stating the time when and the })lace where such 
property ^\ ill b(>s()ld, the last i)ublicatioii to b(> at least six days Ixvforc 
the date of sale, and if the said taxes and I'teiially thereon, and the 
costs and i'X])enses which shall lia\'e accrued thereon, shall not be paid 
before the day fixed for such sale, which must not be less than tiMi 
days after said \v\y or taking of said ])roperty, the collector must 
proceed to sell at j)ublic auction in his ollicetothe- higli(\st bidder siu'h 
property, or so much thei'cof as ma\' be needed to pay such taxes, 
penalties, and accrued costs and ex})eiises of such distraint and sale. 
Said collector must rei)ort in detail in writing every distraint and sale 
of personal property to the Connnissioners of tli(> District of Colum- 
bia, or their successors in office, and his accounts in respect to every 
such distraint or sale uuist forthwith be submittetl to the auditor of 
the District of Columbia and bo audited by him. Any surplus result- 
ing from such sale over and above such taxes, costs, and expenses 



GOVEKNMENT OF THE DISTKICT OF COLUMBIA. 161 

must be paid into the Treasury, and upon being claimed by the owner 
or owners of tlie goods and chattels aforesaid must be paid to him or 
them upon the certilicate of the collector of taxes stating in full the 
amount of such excess, 

RATK OF TAXATION ON PEKSONAI, PROPERTY. 

On all tangible personal property assessed at a fair cash value (over 
and above the exemptions provided), including vessels, ships, boats, 
tools, implements, horses, and other animals, carriages, wagons, and 
other vehicles, there must be paid li per cent on the assessed value 
thereof. 

The taxes for prixate banks and baiikiU's, general brokers, and note 
brokers dat(^ from the 1st day of July in each year and expire on the 
30th day of ,Iune following. Said taxes date from the lirst day of the 
month ill whicli the lialjilit}' begins, and payment must be made for a 
proportionate amount. 

EXEMPTIONS OF PERSONAL PROl'ERTY. 

The following personal [uojjerty is exempt from taxation: 

The personal property of all lil)rary, benevolent, charitable, and 
scientilic institutions incorporated under the laws of the United States 
or of the District of (\)lumbia and not conducted for ])rivat(> gain. 

Libraries, schoolbooks, wearing apparel, articles of personal adorn- 
nuMit, all family portraits, and heirlooms. 

Household and other belongings, not held for sale, to the value of 
$1,000, owned by the occupant of any dwelling house oi' other place 
of abode, in which such household and other belongings may be 
located. 



PENAIjTV FOlt VIOLATION OI'' J>AW. 



Any person violating any of the provisions of tiie personal-tax law 
is lia])le to a penalty of not exceeding $500 for each olfense, such 
l)enalty to ])e imposed u})on conviction in the police court of the Dis- 
ti'ict as other lines and penalties arc; imposed, and in default of pay- 
UHMit of such })enalty the ])erson or persons so convicted shall be 
imprisoned, in the discretion of the court, not exceeding six months. 
(Act approved July 1. r.»02.) 



LICENSES. 



All licenses are issued by the assessor, over his hand and official seal. 
No person is permitted to carry on any business, trade, profession, or 
calling, for which a license is imposed, without having first obtained 
such lic^ense. Applications for licenses nmst be mad(; to the assessor, 
ajid no license can be granted until payment for the same shall hav'e 
l)een made. Each license must specify the name of the person to 
whom issued, the business, trade, profession, calling, etc., for which 

14218—03 11 



162 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

it i.s g-ranted, and tln^ location at wliicli ^ucli business is to be carried 
on. Licenses may l)e assigned or transferred upon application, under 
the terms and conditions applicable to the original granting of the 
same, and the assessor nuist issue a certilicate of such transfer upon 
paj'ment of a f(M> of oO c(Mits. When nioic than one business, trade, 
profession, calling, etc., for which a licens(> is prescribed, shall b(> car- 
ried on by the same person, a lic(Mise must be obtained for each such 
business, etc. Tjicenses are good only for the location designated 
thereon, and no license can be issued for more than one place of l)usi- 
ness without paymcMit of separate lax for each. All licenses date from 
the ist of November and ex])ir(» on I he 81st of October following, 
except those specially designated in the following list. Licenses issued 
at any time after bt^oimiing of licens(> year date from first day of month 
of issue and end \\\o last day of licensi^ year, })ayment being' made for 
proportionate amount of license (ax. In cases where license is less 
than $5 per annum they terminate one year from iirst day of month 
of issue. No one holding a license is p(M'mitt(Ml to allow ;niy other 
person chai'ged with a separate lic(Mis(> to operate under his license. 
All licenses nuist l)e conspicuously posted on premises of the licensee, 
and be accessible at all times for inspection by police oHicers or others 
authorized in that res])ect. LiccMisees ha\ing no h)cated place of busi- 
ness nuist exhibit their licenses when re(|uested to do so \)\ proper 
authorities. 

Applications for licenses t"or hotels and theat(>rs nuist ha\'e written 
appro\al of inspector of t)uiidiiigs and cliief of lire depai'tment. Any 
license issued to proprietoi' of a theat(>r or other pid)lic place of 
anmsement may l)e terminated by the CommissiontM-s whenevcM- it 
shall appear to them that after dwr notice the piM'son holding such 
license shall ha\'e failed to comply with such icgulations as ma}' be 
prcscril^ed by th(> Conunissioners for the public decency. (Act of 
March 1, 11H»1.) 

Proprietors of hotels can not ol)tain a license for less than $80 per 
aninun. 

An act to pr(>vent fraudulent transactions on the part of commission 
merchants, approved March lM. 1S!>2, is made ap])licable to auctioneers, 
their agents, and em[)l()yees. 

Driyers of lic(Mised passenger \('liicles, while transat-ling such busi- 
ness, nuist wetir upon their breasts a badg(» numbered to correspond 
with license of his vehicle, such badge being furnished b}- District of 
Columbia upon payment of fee of 50 cents. 

In addition to license for proprietors of liNcry stables, they nmst 
obtain licenses foi- any vehicles ownied by thcMU occupying public 
stands. 

The Commissioners must approve applications for licenses for yehi- 
cles for transportation of passengers operated over a definite route. 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 163 

Dealers in general merchandise of every description must pa,y li 
per cent on their average stock in trade for the preceding year. 

It is unlawful for any person or persons (Mitering the District of 
Colum1)ia su])sequent to Junt^ 80 in each year and estal)lishing a place 
of l)usiness for the sale of goods, wares, or mercliandise, either at 
private sale or at auction, to conduct such business until a sworn state- 
ment of the value of said stock has been filed with the assessor of the 
District of Colum])ia, who shall thereupon render a l)ill for the unex- 
pired portion of the fiscal year at the same rat(^ as other personal taxes 
are levied. Tht^ assessor is authorized to reassess said stock whenever 
in liis judgment it has been undervalued. The goods, wares, and mer- 
chandise of any person or persons who shall fail to pay the tax rec^uired 
within three days after beginning business are sul)ject to distraint, 
and the assessor must place hills therefor in the hands of the collector 
of taxes, Avho nmst seize sufficient of the goods of the delinquent to 
satisfy said tax. The owner, however, has the right of redemption 
within thirty days on payment of said tax, to which nuist be added a 
penalty of 1 per cent, together with the costs of seizure. The col- 
lector must sell such goods as are not redeemed at public auction after 
advertisement for three days preceding said sale. • 

Hotel companies and the proprietors of hotels are recjuired to pay 1^ 
per cent on the assessed value of their furniture. 

Each national bank, as the trustee for its stockholders, through its 
president or cashier, and all other incorporated banks and trust com- 
panies in the District of Columbia, through their presidents or cash- 
iers, and all gas, electric lighting, and telephone companies, through 
their proper otficers, nuist make atfidavit to the board of personal-tax 
appraisers on or before the 1st da}^ of August each year as to the 
amount of its or their gross earnings for the preceding year ending 
the 30th day of June, and must pay per annum on such gross earn- 
ings as follows: Each national bank and all other incorporated banks 
and trust companies, respectively, (> per cent; each gas company, 5 
per cent; each electric lighting and telephone company, 1 per cent. 
And in addition thereto the real estate owned by each national or other 
incorporated bank and each trust, gas, electric lighting, and telephone 
company in the District of Columbia is taxed iis other real estate in 
said District. Street railroad companies pay 1 per cent per annum on 
their gross receipts and other taxes. Insurance companies pay li per 
cent on premium receipts. 

All companies who guaranty the fidelity of any indiA'idual or indi- 
viduals, such as bonding companies, pay 1^ per cent of their gross 
receipts in the District of Columbia. 

Savings ])anks having no capital stock and l)aying interest to their 
depositors must, through their president or cashier, make affidavit to 
the board of personal-tax appraisers on or before the 1st day of 



104 (JOVKKNMENT <)F THE DISTKKJT OF CULUMJUA. 

Auo-ust ill (>ii('h your us to the. iiniount of their surplus and undivided 
])r<)lit.s, !ind pay ii sum ('((iiii! to lo per (•ciit on the amount of th(Mi' 
sur|)lus and uiuli\'i(h'd i)i'o(its on the llolh day of June precedinu-. 

']'h(i capital stoek of all corporations other than those liercrin provided 
for, oj'oanized in the District of (lolumhia oi- under the laws of any of 
the States or Tcrritoi-ies of the Tnited States, chielly for the |)urpos(5 
of, and transacting" ])usiness within, the Disti'ictol" ('oiuiiit)ia, except 
those exempted by the laws i"elatin<4' to the Disti-ict of ( '()luiiil)ia, is 
apprais(Hl in bulk at its fair cash \ahie by the board of |)ersoiiai-tax 
ap})raisers, and the corporation issuing- the same is liabhi for tlui tax 
thereon according- to such \'ahie, and must, ])ay a sum e(|ual to 1 A per 
cent on the assessed valuation thei'eof; but from tlie assessed xaUiation 
of such ca})it!il stock is tii'st (hnhictetl the \ahie of any and all real 
estate owned by such cor})oration in said Pisti-ict, wiiich ical estate Is 
separately taxed a<i,ainst said corporation. This does not include 
newspaper. I'cal estate, and mercantile companies, which by reason of 
incorporation i-e<M'i\-e no special franchise or pri\'ile<4'e; l»ut all such 
(jorpoi'ations are ratecl, ass(!ssed. and taxed as iiidi\ idiials c()nductino- 
business in similar lines are I'ated, assessed, and taxed. 

P>uildin<4' associations ])ay to the collector of taxes of the Distiact of 
Columbia 1 |)ei- cent [)er annum on theii" oross eai'iiini^s for tli(^ pre- 
cediiii^' 3'ear ending- dun(\ oi). 

Ail taxes levied und'er the fore^oiii*^- pro\ isioiis of this law are due, 
payable, and collectible in iMay of each year, and are .subject to tiie 
same penalties for iionj)ayment thereof as the <*'eneral tax on real 
estate, until disti'aint or sale. 

Pi'ivate baidvs or l)ankei's, not incoi"{)orated, pay a tax of $500 per 
annum. (Jenoral brokei's })ay a tax of $ijr>0 ])er annum. The Wash- 
int^ton Stock Exchant^c pays $;jOO ])er annum in lien of tax on mem- 
bers thereof foi" business dcme on said exchang(\ Any broker who is 
a member of a reiiularlv oriianized stock <'.xchanj''e located outside of 
the District of (lohunbia and ti'ansactinu' a biokiM'aMe businc^ss th(>reln, 
pays $10(» pel- annum. I f any person or linn shall !ia\'e i)aid the tax 
providinl for banks and baidvers, such person or liini can not a<4'ain be 
taxed as a broker or brokers. Note broker's })ay a tax of ij^loo pvv 
annum. lv\ce[)tions are made of <'()operative associations whose busi- 
ness is resti'icted to the mendx'is of such association. 

For entertainments o-iven in church ])remises or private residences, 
where the ])i'oceeds arc^ for church or chai'itable ])urposes and no rental 
is charged, no license is re({uired. 

7Vp[)licatlons for licenses for shootino- oalleri(!s must be accompanied 
witli cei'tificate from iiis[)ector ol' buil(lin«j;s tJiat suita})le precautions 
have been taken for i)iil)lic safety, and with written authority from 
maiority of occupants and residents on the same side of the scpiare in 
which proposed gallery is to be located, and also on confronting side 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 165 

of tlie sqnaro. fronting- opposite to the siime. The chief of police is 
authorized to prescribe the caliber, Hrearnis, and kind of cartridg'es to 
})e used. 

The Commissioners have discretion to refuse li(;enses for merry-go- 
rounds, Hying hoi's(>s, etc. 

Applications foi' licenses for massage establishments, mediums, clair- 
voyants, soothsa3'ers, fortune tellers, and palmists nuist have the 
a])proval of the chief of police. 

Hucksters are furnished with ])adges corresponding* to number of 
license, which nuist l)e worn while transacting business, in addition to 
a corresponding luunber which must be attached to their vehicles. 
Hucksters' licenses need not be procured })y persons bringing and sell- 
ing at the several mark(^ts produce of their own raising. 

The lire marshal nuist approve a[)plications for licenses for buildings 
for storage of inflammable materials. 

Persons \'iolating' an}' of the provisions of the license law, upon 
conviction thereof in the police court of the District of Columl)ia, are 
])unishabl(^ by a tine of not more than $500 for each offense, and in 
default of piiyment, by imprisonment not exceeding thirty days, in the 
discretion of the court. (Act approved July 1, IDO'J.) 

PKKMIT KEES, LICENSE FEES, AND MISCELLANEOCS CHARGES. 

[NoTiOS. — L. A., legislative dssemiily; B, U., buildiiif,' rcKiiliitioiis; W. 1)., Webb's Digest of tlie laws 
of tile former eity of Wasliiiigloii. * Indicntes thiit llie fee is not a i)Ul)lic revenue.] 

AfiriculUinil exhibits, NoveiiihiT 1, $]()() jicr aiiiiiini, 810 ])er week, $5 each subse- 

(lueiit week, $'.> per day. 
Amusements not otherwise provided for, Novembei- 1, $100 {jer annum, $10 per 

week, $5 eaeh subsequent week, |.3 per day. 
A])()the(")ries, Novenil)er 1, &') ])('!• annum. 
Art exhibils, November 1, §100 ])er aiumm, $10 per week, $5 each subae(juent week, 

$;5 per day. 
Atldetic grounds, $20 per week, $5 per day. 
Auctioneers, November I, $100 ]X'r annum. 
Automalic nuichinc.'J. (Sen- Slot niacliincs. ) 
Automobiles, anlo\'ehicics, etc., .Inly 1, $0 ]>cr anmnn. 
AutonKjbile establisiiments, Novend^er 1, $25 license for ten vehicles or less per 

annum, $2 each a<lditional vehicle. 
Awninjf permits, $1 each awning. (B. R., sec. ol.) 
r.alls, $.S per night. 

r>ard<ers, private (not incorporated), July 1, $500 per annum. 
Jlarrooms, Noveudjcr 1, $800 per aiuium. 
liascball grounds, $20 per week, $5 per day. 

P>aths, November 1, $25, Turkish, Russian, or medicated, per annum. 
T'iJlpostcrs, November 1, $20 i)er annum. 
Billiard rooms, November 1, |12 per annnm for each billiard, bagatelle, jenny lind, 

or pool table, shutlle board, or other legitimate game table. 
Boarding houses (publir), Novcnd)er 1, $1 per annum for each rocjm. 
Boiler and engine })crmits, $1 each plant. (B. R 
I'oxing schools, November 1, $12 per annum. 
Brewers, November 1, $250 per annum. 



166 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

Brewers' aorents, November 1, $250 per annum. 

Jirokcry, real estate, November I, $50 i)er aiimini. 

Jirokers, raiboad tieket, November 1, si!,") peraiimim. 

Brokers, general, .hily 1, $250 per anmim. 

Brokers, general (members of stock excbaiitrc ), .Tnly 1, $!()() pc^r annum. 

Brokers, note, July 1, $100 |)er annum. 

Building contractors, November i, !^25 per anmini. 

Buildings, new, ])ermit for, $2 eacb building. ( 1'.. R., sec. '■'>'.'>.) 

Ijiiilding permits, i-epairs or alterations, $1 each building. (1>. ll.,^sec. ;!1. ) 

CJarnivals, Novemljer 1, $100 per annum, $10 per week, $5 each subsecjucut week, $3 

jicr <lay. 
Carriages for liire, July 1, $fi, drawn l)y one animal, per aummi; $n, niof(> than one 

animal, ]>crau!unn; $!), by (jthei' motive j)ower, ])eranmmi. 
Carriage and wagon making establishments, November 1, $25 per annum. 
Cattle (lealefs, Xovendier I, !^15 per annum. 
Cattle exhibits, .November I, $100 per aminm, $10 jier week, $5 each subseiiuent 

week, $'.i i)er day. 
Cigar dealers, November 1, $12 j>er annum. 
Circuses, $200 ]>er day. 

Claim agents, Novend)er 1, $25 |)er annum. 
Claiivoyants, NoviMnber 1, $25 per annum. 
Connnissiou merchants, November 1, $10 per annum. 
Concerts, $H per night. 

Confectionery establishments, November 1, $12 per anmun. 
Contractors of all kinds, Novendx'r 1, $25 i)er annum. 
Cook shops, November 1, $bS per annum. 
Dairy lunches, November 1,$1K |ier anmun. 
I)((adly and dangerous weajxins. Dealers in are re(|uired to file bonds of $1,000 each, 

but no fee is charged. (27 Stats., 117.) 
Dealers in markets, Novendier 1, $5 peranmim. 
Death, certificate of, 50 cents each. (29 Stats., 095. ) 

Dental examiiu'rs, board of; examinations 1iy, $10; certificates of, $1. (27 Stats., 4.'].) 
Distillers or rectifiers, NovcMuber 1, $250 jji-r annum. 
Dog licenses, $2 each dog per amnnu. (20 Stats., ]7;>. ) 
Dogs, release of, from pound, $2 each dog. (20 Stats., 174.) 
Druggists, November 1, $(> per annum. 
J'lating houses, November I, $1H per annum. 
Electromobiles, July 1, $9 ]ier anmun. 
Employment offices, November I, $10 jier annum. ' 

Engineers, steam. (See Steam engineers.) 
I'aitertainments, $.'5 per night; 
Entertainment halls, November 1, $100 per annum, $10 ])er w(u'k, $5 (^acli subsequent 

we(d<, $."! per day. 
Excavations in streets, $1 each. ( B. R., sec. :'>!.) 
Exhibition halls, Novemlx^r 1, $100 per annum, $10 jier week, $5 each subsequent 

week, $3 per day. 
Exhi})its — agricultural, art, cattle, floral, food, freaks, in(histrial, mechanical, nmse- 

um.s, poultry, side sliows, etc., Noveud)er 1, $100 j)er annum, $10 per week, $5 

each subseijueut week, $3 ])vr day. 
Fairs, Novend)er 1, $100 ])er annum, $10 per wi'ek, $5 each subse(|uenl week, $3 

per day. 
Fencing schools, November I, $12 jk'i- annum. 

Fish-wharf jjrivilege, annually sold to highest bidder. (W. D.. 147.) 
* Fish-wharf charges: Sliad and other large fish at the rate of 20 cents ])er 100, her- 
ring at the rate of 20 cents per 1,000. ( W. D., 147-1 19.) 



G0VERNME:NT of the DISTEICT of COLUMBIA. 1G7 

Florists, November 1, |15 per annum. 

*Flour, insjiection of, 1 cent and one drawing per barrel or half barrel; 1 cent per 
196 jtounds of flour in sacks; $5 in appeals to commissions of flour insi)ection. (30 
Stats., 766.) 
Flying horses. (See Merry-go-rounds.) 
Football grounds, $20 per week, $5 per day. 
Fortune tellers, IS'ovenil)er 1, $25 per annum. 
Fuel hucksters, November 1, $5 per annum. 
Gas meters, inspection of, 50 («nts each new meter, 20 cents for each repaired meter. 

(18 Stats., 279.) 
General brokers, July 1, $250 ])er aniumi. 

General brokers (members of stock"" exchange), July 1, $100 per annum. 
Golf grounds, $20 per week, $5 per day. 
Gymnasiums, November 1, $12 per amnun. 
Hacks. (See (Carriages. ) 
Hand laundries, November 1, $10 per annum. 

Hay scales, annually, on (ir about July 10, sold to the highest bidder at public auc- 
tion. (L. A., 369.) 
Hay, straw, fodder, or oats in tlie straw, fee of weighmaster for weighing: 
*For loads of 500 ])oun(ls or less, each, 10 cents. (L. A., 368. ) 
*For loads between 500 and 2,000 pounds each, 35 cents. {Il>-) 
*For loads over 2,000 pounds each, 50 cents. (Attorney's Opinions, vol. 4, 309- 

485. ) 
*For bundles or packages, each, 2 («ents. ( \j. A., 368"). 
Heating [)lants, changes in, permits $1. (B. R., sec. 31.) 

Hotels, November 1, $1 per annum for each room for the accommodation of guests. 
Hucksters, vVpril 1, $12 per annum for each vehicle. 
Ice-cream parlors, November 1, $18 jier amnun. 

Improvement and land companies. (See Land and improvement companies. ) 
Inilannnableoils, Novend)er 1, $10 per annum for storing cpiantity exceeding 5 barrels. 
Information bureaus, November 1, $10 per annum. 
Insurance: 

All companies and associations. For filing charter and other ([ualifying docu- 
ments, together with i.ssuing license to comi)any, such license authoiizing the 
company to issue only its own policies, $10. 
Local and foreign companies. Fee to be paid by the company, $50. Each 
insurance company, local or foreign, desiring to act as agent for the purpose of 
receiving liusiness from another comjjany, or from agents or rei>resentatives 
of any other company, is re(iuired to procure a "general insurance license." 
Foreign comi)anies. Fee to be paid by the agent, $50. Must be licensed under 
section 646 before they can in any way do business in the District of Columbia. 
A foreign conqiany issuing its own jiolicy to a person in the District of Cohnnbia 
is not re(iuired to he represented by a principal or policy-writing agent. If 
such a company desires, however, to do business in the District by issuing 
policicis there, then its rejtresentatives must hold a "general insurance 
license." 
Principal or pulicy-writing agent's license. Fee to be paid by the agent, $50. 
This "general insurance license" may b(^ issued to a person, or a firm not 
exceeding two members, or an association, or to a corporation, or se(;retary or 
assistant secretary of either of such bodies having such officers. Under this 
form of license an unlimited number of companies may be represented by an 
agent; and power is granted to tlu> licensee to a]>point solicitors for each com- 
pany he represents. A policy-writing agent may also act as Ijroker. 



168 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

Insurance — Continued. 

Brokers' ' 'general insurance license. ' ' Fee to be paid by 1 )roker, $50. This license 
carries with it all the privileges granted a ])rinci]ial or policy-writing agent, 
except that the licensee can not issue policies nor appoint solicitors. A broker 
represents no company, T)ut places the business he controls wherever he elects 
in conqjanies that are licensed to do lousiness in the District of Columbia. 
Solicitor's license. Fee to be paid by the solicitor, $5. A solicitor must be em- 
ployed in some t'apacity by a company or its princijial agent. License 
privilege is limited to one company only and the name of such company must 
be embodied in the license. 
Industrial solicitor's license. Fee to l)e paid l)y tlie solicitor, $'2. Limited to one 
company, and the name of such company must api)ear in the license. Licenses 
for comi)anies, agents, solicitors, and brokers now doing lousiness in the Dis- 
trict will bear date as of January T, 1902, and be in force until Aj)ril 30, 1902, 
fees for which must be prepaid. Applications for annual licenses for the same 
must be applied for and prepaid during tlie month of March, 1902. Annual 
licenses take effect ^lay 1, 1902. All licenses are transfera])le l)y assignment, 
fee for each assignment being 25 cents. (Order February 4, 1902.) 
Intelligence offices, November 1, $10 per annum. 
Investment associations, November 1 , $100 per aniunn. 
Junk dealers, $40 per annum. (26 Stats., 841.) 
Land and improvement companies, Novem])er 1, $50 per annum. 
Laundries, November 1, $20, steam or other power, j^er annum; $10 per annum, 

operated ])y hand. • 

Lawn fetes. (See Picnics. ) 
Lecture halls, November 1, $100 per annum; $10 per week; $5 each subsequent week; 

$3 per day. 
License, transfer of, 50 cents eacli. 

Livery stables, November 1, $25 per annum for 10 stalls; $2 eacli additional stall. 
Litjnor dealers, retail, Novend)er 1, $800 per annum. 
Liquor dealers, wholesale, Novemlierl, $300 i)er aniium. 
Liipiors, brewers or manufacturers of, November 1, $250 ])er annum. 
* Lumber, inspection of, 30 cents per 1,000 feet B. M. (W. D., 4(12.) 
Market dealers of all kinds, November 1, $5 ])er annniii. 

Market stalls, schedule of monthly rates tixed l)y Commissioners, as follows: 
Eastern INIarket — 

Butcher, bacon, butter, and miscellaneous stands, $4 each; fish, huckster, 
and baker stands, $3 each. (Orders March 14, 1879; April 28, 1S94.) 
Western IVIarket — 

Stands for butchers, $7 each; for bacon, $6 each; for all others, $5 each. 
Sixty-eight stands are owned by dealers, who purchased them at auction 
November 15, 1876, for thirty years, and only pay half of said rental rates. 
(See orders of Conunissioners, Novend)er 15, 1876; February 20, 1891.) 
Georgetown Market — 

All stands, $5 each. (Orders of December 1, 1894, and October 31, 1894. ) 
Massage establishments, November 1, $25 per annum. 
Maturity associations, November 1, $100 per annum. 
■^Medical examiners, board of, examination by, $10. (29 Stats., 199.) 
Medicated baths. (See Baths). 
Mediums, November 1, $25 per annum. 

Merry-go-rounds, $12 per week; $10 each subsequent week; $3 ])er day. 
Note brokers, July 1, $100 jier annum. 

Omnibuses, July 1, $6 per annum, one animal; $9 per annum, more than one animal. 
Oyster houses, November 1, $18 per annum. 
Palmists, November 1, $25 per annum. 



GOVEKNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 169 

Passenger transportation lines, November 1, $6 per annum for each vehicle not 

exceeding 10 passengers; $12 exceeding 10 })assengers. 
Pawnbrokers, November 1, $100 per annum. 
Peddlers, Aj^ril 1, $25 per annum. 

*Pharmacy, commissioners of, for registration without examination, $:'>; witii exami- 
nation, $10. (20 Stats., 138.) 
Picnic grounds, November 1, $100 per annum; $10 per week; $5 eacli suljsequent 

week; $3 per day. 
Plumbing board, examination and license of each applicant for master plumber's 

license, $3. (30 Stats., 477.) 
Polo grounds, $20 per week; $5 {ler day. 
Pool rooms, November 1, $12 per annum. 

Private banks or bankers (not incorporated), July 1, $500 per annum. 
Produce dealers, April 1, $12 per annum for each vehicle. 

Public school tuition of nonresident pupils: High school, $43.7l>; eighth grade, $.30.42 
seventh grade, $25.08; sixth grade, $23.60; tifth grade, $20.53; fourth grade, $20 
third grade, $17.27; second grade, $16.42; first grade, $15.26. (30 Stats., 1056 
order of Commissioners, Septend)er 20, 1899. ) 
Race tracks, $20 per week; $5 per day. 
Real estate brokers. (See Brokers, real estate. ) 
Rectifiers. (See Distillers. ) 
Restaurants, November 1, $18 per annum. 
Russian baths. (See Baths.) 

Secondhand dealers of all kinds, November 1, $40 per annum. 
"Seeing Washington cars." (See Passenger transportation lines.) 
Shed permits, $1 each shed. (B. R., sec. 31.) 
Shooting galleries, November 1, $12 per annum. 
Skating rinks, Novem1)er 1, $100 ])er annum; $10 per week; $5 each subsequent week; 

$3 per day. 
Slot machines, November 1, $2 per annum, each machine; $50 per annum, unlimited 

number. 
Soothsayers, November 1, $25 per annum. 

Steam engineers' licenses are of three grades — first, second, antl (bird — the fee for 
each being $3. Examination before board of engineers is retjuired. Licenses are 
good until revoked or changed to higher grade. (xU't of February 28, 1887.) 
Stock exchange, Washington, July 1, $500 per annum. 
Surveyor's fees: 

For preparing for record a plat of the proposed subdivision of any recorded lot 

or part of lot, 50 cents for each lot in the new subdivision. 
For ijreparing for record a plat of a proposed subdivision containing one or more 
squares, not more than $20 shall be charged for the subdivision of each entire 
square. 
For recording the above plats, after approval by the Connnissioners of the Dis- 
trict of Columbia, $2.50 for each square and $1.50 for any lot or part of a 
square. 
For furnishing a copy of the ])lat and record of any square or part of square, $2.50. 
For examining any plat and calculating the area of any proposed sublot, 25 cents. 
For preparing plats showing lines of any proposed minor sti'eet or alley to accom- 
pany i:)etition for condemnation, $5 for each plat. 
For surveying and marking upon the ground the boundaries of any lot within 
the city of Washington east of Rock Creek, $3; within the (;ity of Washington 
west of Rock Creek, $4; in the District of Columbia outside of the city of 
Washington in any subdivision recorded since 1888 and the lines of which are 
duly marked by stones approved by the surveyor of the District of Columbia, 
$5. The above shall include a certified plat of the survey for the property 
owner or applicant. 



17() GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

Surveyor's fecH — Continued. 

For surveying' and niarkiii^^ ujxtn tlie <,'r()iin(l llie boundaries of any jueee of 
ground in the county of Washington not contained in a subdivision recorded 
and marked as staled in (he presious paragraph, ?L'() per day for each day 
occujiied in the field work and $10 per day for cacii day occupied in comput- 
ing lines, areas, and other dUicc work. 
JMir surveying and ascei'taining the position of walls of any building with respect 
to the lines as laid ddw n un plat of record in the snrxevor's ollici' or according 
to the description contained in deed, .S,j if building staixls on a single lot; |7.50 
if building stands on two lots, and !?l(l if building stands on tin-ce or more lots. 
l"\)r examining the location of the walls of any building when the same shall 

have re;iched a height of not more than one foot aboxc tlu! footings, $1. 
For any work not specilieally described above the actual cost of labor and mate- 
rial will be chaTge(l. 
No work will be beL;nn by the sur\'ey(U' foi' any pri\al(' parties until the actual 
estimated cost of the same has l)een dei)osited with the collector of taxes and 
his receii)t recorded in the ollice of the siuveyor of the Disti'ict of Columbia. 
(Orders of Conuuissi(jners, INIarch 2:5, 1S95, and lu'brnary 7, liK)2. ) 
Tax certilicates, hi) cents each. (27 Stats., ::7. ) 

Theaters, November 1, $1()() per annum, .'j^20 per week, $10 less than one week. 
Ticket brokers, railroad. (See Ih'okers, ticket.) 
Tournaments. (See Race tracks.) 
Turkish ])aths. (See I'.aths. ) 
Transfers of licenses, TiO cents each. 
Undertakers, November 1, $2r) per amnnn. 
Vaults under streets, $1 each vault. ( 1'.. R., sec. .'51.) 
Vehicles foi' hire, .Inly 1, $(> per annum (Jiie animal, $0 more than one, $0 horseless 

or motor. 
Victuallers, Novendier J, $1S per annum. 

Wagon-making establislunents. (See Carriage-making establishments.) 
Walls, party, measuring, $5 each. (15. II., sec^ ;51.) 
Washington Stock i'l.xchangi', July 1, ij^rdU) per annum. 
Watt'r rents, schedule of: 

Armories, according to lixtures. 

15akeries, from $'A to the amonnt recpiiring meter (1)25). 
I5arber shops, lirst chair, $:>; each additional chair, $1.50 ju'r annum, 
r.arroom and restaurants, from $15 to the amount re(|uiring meter ($25). 
billiard room, from $5 to the amonnt requiring meter ($25). 
r5((arding schools and schoolhouses, according to the'iuunber of lixtures. 
F.rickyards, $10 to the amount recpiiring meter ($25). 

J5nilding purposes, 8 cents for each 1,000 bricks laifl and 1.1 cents for each caibic 
yard of stone masonry or concrete walls. INhichinery used for hoisting shall 
be charged for at rate of stationary engine. Sjiecial rates shall be cluuged for 
public works. 
Charity schools, etc. (See Orphan asylums.) 
(^Inbs and elubrooms, according to lixtures. 

Colleges (law, medical, and business, etc.), act'.ording to lixtures. 
Cows, 25 cents each. 
Domestic use: 

The rate fordomestic piu'poses shall be charged ac(!ording to stories and front 

feet. 
On all tenements two stories high, with a front width of lO feet or less, $3.50 

per annmn. 
For each additional front foot, or fraction tli(>reof, 25 cents. 
Note. — In cases where the frontage of a house is greater than the depth the 
rent will be based npon the less dimension. 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 171 

Water rents, schedule of — Continued. 
Domestic use — Continued. 

In the case of houses situated on triangnlar or irregular lots and having a 
frontage on two or more streets the rent will be based upon the mean 
depth, or mean frontage, depending upon which is less. 
For each additional story or part thereof, one-third of the charges as com- 
puted above. 
Note. — Tiie word story shall be held to include basements, ceHars, and attics, 
used, or fitted out for use, for domestic purjjoses. 
Dyehouses, $5 to the amount recpuring meter ($25). 

I'^ating liouses and lunch rooms, from $5 to the amount retpiiring meter (|25). 
Fixtures in business establishments, as follows: Wash basins, sinks, water- 
closets, and urinals, $3 each per anmun. 
Florists shall l»c charged at a rati; of from $5 to the amount re(iuiring meter ($25). 
Fountains, supj)lied through meters in all cases. 
Gas and meters. 
Gas engine, $4 per liorsepower. 
IIors(!s, private, for eacli and every horse $1.50, said sum to include water for 

washing carriages; horses for all other purposes, 75 cents each per annum. 
Laundries, $10 to the amount requiring meter ($25). 

Machinery using water, according to the rate foi' stationary engines and boilers. 
Meter rates: 

The rate to be charged for water supi)lied through meters shall be 3 cents 

per 1,000 gallons. 
The supply of water shall be determined by meter to all manufacturing 
establishments, hotels, swimmingbatlis, l)ottlingesta))lishments, gas tanks, 
railroad yards, steamboats and wharves, and other places requiring a large 
quantity, in('luding all ])r(>mises using fountains or automatic flushing 
tanks and all i)i-emises for business purposes on which the water rent 
according to the fcjllowing schedule of rates are $25 or more per annum. 
The listing of certain premises on that schednkMlocs not exemjjt them 
from the requirements of the law with regard to the use of meters. 
In case of premises requirt'd by law to be supplied with water by meter the 
supi)ly of water to any portion thereof, for any purpose, shall be deter- 
mined by meter. 
In every case where dwelling houses or tenements are occupied also for 
business purposes, or vice versa, the regular charge for domestic purposes 
according to the above rates shall be made, and in addition thereto the 
si)e(;ial business rate si)ecl(icd in this schedule. 
Mills, $5. Machinery extra, ac(;or(ling to the rate for stationary engines. 
OlHces and ollice buildings, according to fixtures. 
Orphan asylums, etc. : 

The Connnissioners of the District of Columbia are hereby authorized to 
furnisli Potomac water without charge to orphan asylums and charity 
schools, and such institutions as receive annual appropriations from Con- 
gress, to an amount to be fixed in each case by said Commissioners, not 
to exceed the rate of 100 gallons per average capita of inmates per diem; 
and for all water used beyond such an amount the institution shall be 
charged at the prevailing rate for the use of water in the District. They 
are further authorized to furnish I'otoinac water withoutcharge tochurches 
to an amount to be fixed in each case I)y tlie Connnissioners; any amount 
used in excess to be charged as hereinbefore provided. (30 Stats., 543; 
act June :'.0, 1898.) An order fixing the amounts was made March 23, 
1899. (L. S., 105, 240 C. O. ) 



172 GOVJiKNMENT OK THE DISTRICT Ob" COLUMlilA. 

Water ivnts, schedule of — Continued. 

rrintiiii:; houses, from $5 to $\() \>vv annum. MachiniTV in same nsin>j; water 
sliall he ciiarucii in addition tiierelo acconiinij; to tiie rale of stationary engines. 
rhoto,icra|)li galleries, if^lO to tlie amount reciuirinjj meter (i?2r)). 
l'ul)iie baths, $4 per annum for eaeii and every tub. 
Stationary en^jines, $'3 per horsepower. Boilers witiiout cn.uines, 151.75 jier 

horse] lower. 
Stores, shops, confcn-tioueries, and warehouses, $A totheamouni re(|uirini,Miieter 

(*25). 
Street washers, w here parties use same and water is not taken in liie iiouse, shall 
be chai'Ljed at tlie rate of fi'om $','> to $10 ])er annum. Mxterior fountains, 
street washers, and other hose conut'ctious may lie used only between the lionrs 
of f) o'clock and S o'clock p. m., and 5 o'clock and S o'clock a. m. 
Slanu'htei'liouses, from !?ri to the anioiuit rei|uirim;- meter (^'^fi). 
In chart.dnL;' business I'stablishments for usiui^: Potomac water not supplied Ihrouuh 
uietiM's, no allowance or deduction from the scheduk' rates shall be made on account 
of water elainuMl to be supplied from wells. Keserve boilers and machinery shall 
be char<^ed for at full sche<lnle rates. 

.\ll water re(|uii'ed for pni'jioses which ai'e not specilied in the foi'eii'oiuii' si'hednU' 
shall be jiaid for at such rate as may be (ixi'd by the ("ommissioners. 

All annual water I'euts are due and payabU' in advance on the 1st day of .Inly in 
each year. .Ml chart;x's for specilic supjilies or for fractional parts of a year are Ano 
and jtayable in advance of the use of the water. Jn all cases of failure to pay the 
annual water rent within thirty days after the samt> is due and ])ayaliU', and charLies 
for sp(H'ilic supplies or fractional partsofayear in advanei> of the use of the water, 
the supply shall be cut off, and the How not a.nain restored until the water I'eiil is 
paid, as also a ]ienalty of $2 and the actual t'xijeuse, if any, incurred by the water 
dei)ai'tmi'nt in cuttin<i' the strt'ct for the purpose of shuttim^off and icstorinu- the 
How of water. 

^\luMU'vol■ llio owiKM' of any i)ri'inis(\s shall iiiiiko fiMiucst of the 
watci' r(\i>'istriif in w ritiiio-. on or hofoiH^ (lie hooiiiniiio- of the iiscal 
yoar. to huAc (ht^ watoi' cut oil' from such pi'oiuises. I)ofof(> the l>(\o-in- 
nino- ()f (ho said Iiscal y(>ar. foi' lh(> I'cason that th(> pi'cmises aro to ho 
closed for a certain ])eviod. and shall upon his return rc( |uest the Avater 
reo-istrai" in writino- to tiifn on the Nvater, tht> water I'cnt aoainst said 
premises shall he counted oidy from thc^ date that the AvatcM' is turned 
on, instead oi' from the Ix^o-innino- of tlu^ Iiscal yeaf. (Oi'der NovemlxM' 
1, !;»(»(».) 

All |)(M's()ns takino- watcf af(> hcrchy i'c([uifcd to k(>cp their service 
pipes and all tln^ tixtures connected with such service* ])i])es in o-qocI 
condition and repair and pi-otiM'tcd from frost, at their own expense; 
to ])i'e\'(Mit all unnecessary waste of watci', and keep (he t I'ench in which 
their sei'\i(a> ])ipe was laid, from the main to the huildino- liiu\ in o-ood 
order and condition. 

The hose shall not be used in the avenues or streets to wash oti' car- 
riao'es, omni])uses, or other \ chicles, or for watering;" or wtishino- horses. 
Ciips upon llu> said pavements or street washei's must, when the washers 
arc not in use, he kept screwed secure]}' down and not project above 
the foot pavement. 



GOVEKNMEJST OF THE DiaTlUCT OF COLUMBIA. 178 

The Commi.ssioner.s reserve the right, whenever they may deem it 
necessary, m order to furnish the supply reipiii-ed lor domestic uses, 
to cause the tlow of water to be discontinued for all other purposes. 

If any person or persons shall remove the cover from any stopcock 
box or turn on or oti' the su})ply of water by means of said stopcock 
on the service pipe or otherwise, without the authority of the water 
registrar, such person oi" persons shall be liable to a tine of not less 
than $10 nor more than $50 for each otiense. 

If any occupant of premises into which has been introduced the 
water shall permit the same to run or waste unnecessarily from any 
h3^drant, cock, jet, street washer, or other fixture, oi" to How from 
his fountain into adjaciMit premises and there used, or to be taken from 
or used by any [xu'son other than said occupant or a mcm))er or visitor 
of his family, except in case of fire; or if any hydrant, jet, cock, 
street washer, oi- other hxtui'c be found leaking, and said occupant, 
owner, or agent of tlu> premises shall refuse or neglect to have the 
necessary repairs made w^ithout delay; or refuse admission to the 
water registrar or othei' authorized agent of the Commissioners into 
his premises when in the otHcial discharge of his duties, the person so 
offending shall pay a line of not less than $5 nor more than $30 for 
each offense, and the supply of water shall bo stopped from said 
premises until satisfactory assurance is giviMi the water registrar that 
the like case will not occur again. 

Weights and measures, for testing and sealing, as fcjllows: 

Dry measure, over hull' l)UHhel $0. 25 

Dry measure, half hushel or less: 

1 to 10, inclusive (each) 10 

1 to 25, inclusive (each ) 09 

1 to 50, inclusive (each) 08 

1 to 100, inclusive (each) 07.V 

Ice cream measure: 

1 to 50, inclusive (each) 10 

1 to 100, inchisi\-e (each ) 08 

1 to 200, inclusive (each) 07 

200 or over (each ) 06 

Liquid measures over 1 gallon (each) 25 

Litiuiil measures, 1 gallon or less: 

1 to 10 measures, inclusive (each) 10 

1 to 25 measures, inclusive (each) 09 

1 to 50 measures, inclusivi^ ( eacii ) 08 

I to 100 measures, inclusive (each) 07^ 

Milk can, 1 gallon or more: 

1 to 50 cans, inclusive (each) 25 

1 to 100 cans, inclusive ( each ) 20 

Over 100 cans (each ) 15 

Milk hottles and jars, glass (each 1 00 1 .ottles) 50 

Scales, coal, somiavmnally 2. 00 

Scales, counter, semiannually 25 

Scales, counter, platform, over 200 pounds, semiannually 1. 00 



174 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 



Scales, counter, platform, nn<U'r 200 pounds, semiannrially $0. 50 

Scales, hay, seniianiuuilly 2. 00 

Scales, platform, semiannually 1 . 00 

Scales, iiotato, semiannually 25 

Scales, railroad, laruje, semiannually (first 10 tons ) 2. 00 

Scales, railroad, large (each ton over 10 ) .25 

Scales, spring balance, "quarterly," January 1 to July 1, 100:> 15 

Spring balance, semiannually after J uly 1 , lOOo .25 

Scales, wagon, semiannually 2. 00 

Weights, sealing of ( each ^ . 10 

Yard measures seale(l, aiuinally (each ) .10 

(28 Stats., 811. Ordersof Commissioners, .\pril 2.S. IS'.Ui; .\ugust 18, 1897; 
July 29, 1901.) 
Washington Market ('omi)any. Franchise rental ikt annum, .'?7,50O. 
Wharf for sal(> of lish. (See Fish wharf. ) 
Wharf i)roperty along James Creek Canal, rent of, 8 percent per annum on 

estimated value. (Order of Commissioners of Novend^er 5, 1890.) 
Wharves on Potomac River, rental of. 
Wood, inspection of, 9 cents per cord. (W. 1)., 27(i. ) 

A^sensed nilnalio)! of real propertij jdr llir Jisful i/mr lo cud Jane 30, 1903. 





LaiMi. 

891,232,257 
24, S99, 842 


liiiprove- 

moiits. 


Total. 


Tax at $1.50 
per $100. 


Citv of Washington 


$77,159,075 
12,324,400 


$171,391,332 
37,224,242 


$2, 570, 870. 00 


Suburbaii .... 


558, 363. 63 






Total 


119, 132, 099 


89,483,475 


208, 615, 574 


3, 129, 233. 63 







The valuation of assossal>l(^ personal ])roperty for the same period 
has not l)eeii (•omi)lete(l, but it is rouohly estimated at $85,000,000, 
taxable also at the rate of $1.50 per $100. 



EXCISE BOARD. 

The excise board determine to whom license to sell intoxicating 
liquors by wholesale or retail shall be issued. Their action is regulated 
by law and rul(\s and regulations which they are authorized by law to 
make. (See p. 144-.) 

This l)oai'd consists of the assessor as ex otlicio chairman, and the 
three permanent assisttint assessors, who are di^signated by the assessor 
to assess real ])ro]ierty, and compose said board. (Act July 1, liH)2.) 

For the license fees for selling such liquors see ''Methods of taxa- 
tion." 

auditor's office. 

The auditor has general oversight of the tinancial affairs of the Dis- 
trict of Colum))ia. He passes upon adl accounts atiecting the general 
revenues, which are derived from taxes, licenses, fines in the police 
and criminal courts, fees from justices of the peace, market rentals, 
and minor miscellaneous sources, together with those relating to the 
water fund and the various special and trust funds. He is also 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT Ob' COLUMBIA, 175 

required by law to audit all disbursements made wholly or in part from 
District revenues, unless the acts of Conoress appropriating- therefor 
specifically provide otherwise, as in the case of the sinking- fund, the 
expenditures of which are under the control of the Treasurer of the 
United States, ex ofticio commissioner of the sinking fund; to prepare 
and countersign all checks issued bv the disbursing officer — none 
in\olving the disbursement of public moneys being- valid without his 
signature — and to render month Iv to the Auditor for the State and other 
Departments detailed statements, with accompanying vouchers, of all 
expenditures made by the disbursing officer, duly certihed by the 
Connuissioners of the District of Columl)ia. 

DISBURSEMENTS. 

All disbursements of District moneys, except where otherwise 
specifically provided l>y law, as those for the sinking fund, which are 
made hy the Treasurer of the United States, ex officio commissioner 
of that fund, are made by the disbursing officer upon claims or 
accounts audited and approved by the auditor of the District of 
Columbia. 

The dislMirsing officer is appointed by the Commissioners of the 
District of Columl)ia, and gives bond to the United States in the sum 
of $50,000, conditioned for the faithful performance of the duties of 
his office in the disbursing- and accounting, according to law, for all 
moneys of the United States and of the District of Columbia that 
come into his hands; Avhich ])ond nuist be approved by the Commis- 
sioners and the Secretary of the Treasury and l)e filed in tiie office of 
the Secretary of the Treasury. Advances in money, for which he 
must account, are made to him from the United States Treasury on 
the requisition of the Commissioners, and his checks for disburse- 
ments must lie countersigned by the auditor. 

But in order to further insure accuracy, the organic law requires 
that the accounts of said Commissioners and the tax collectors and all 
other officers required to account shall be also settled and adjusted by 
the accounting officers of the Treasuiy Department of the United 
States. (20 Stats., 105.) This auditing falls within the purview of the 
Auditor for the State and other Departments, subject to review by the 
Comptroller of the Trea8ur3\ 

FISCAL YEAR. 

The fiscal year begins with July I and terminates with the HOth of 
the succeeding June. 

SINKING FUND. 

The management of the funded debt of the District is vested b}' law 
in the Treasurer of the United States. The sinking fund of this debt 



17(3 ClOVEKNMENT oK 'VUK DISTKICT OF OOLLTMBIA. 

is p:iid l)v tlic Unit(>(l St:it(\s and the District of Coluiiihia in (M|u:i1 

jlUl'ts. 

On M:u-cli ;M, II hi;-;, the funded debt anioiintod to $i2,!»l T. !!.")(», all 
but i^K'J.OOO of which was in 'AJ't^y pci'ciMit l)<)n(ls. The amount of those 
bonds issu(Ml to that date was $1-1-, 1)09, 300, or within $30,TOO of the 
limit lixed by law. (-21 Stats.. 280.) 

ntOl'OSALS FOR IMlJNICirAT, WOKK. 

When any re]>airs of streets, a\enues, all(\vs, or sewers within the 
District of Cohunbia arc^ to ])e inad(\ oi- when new pax-ements ai'e to be 
substituted in place of those worn out. new ones laid, or new streets 
opened, sewers built, oi' any works the total cost of which shall exceed 
the sum of !i^l,0(»0, notice nuist be o'iveii in one n(nvspai)er in W'ash- 
in^'ton, and if tlu^ total cost shall exceed !?5.0()0 then in one n(>ws[)aper 
in each of the cities of N(!W York, Philadelphia, and Haltimore, also, 
for one week, for ])roposals, with full specilications as to material 
for the w hole or any portion of the works proposed to be done. (20 
Stats., 105.) 

'V\\o lowest i'esj)onsible ])roposal for the kind and charactiM' of [)ave- 
meiit or other work which the ( 'onuui-isioners shall determint^ upon 
must in all cases be acce[)ted, but the Coimnissioners havetlu^ ri^-ht, in 
their discretion, to reject all such })ro])osals. (lb.) 

The C\)minissionei's also invite i)ro]iosals for all kinds of work, 
material, sup})lies. and other |)urchases inxohin^ any considei'able 
cast, and whene\er in their judgment the })ul)lic interests wi^l be l)e8t 
subserved thereby. 

CONTHACTS. 

Work capable of l>eino- cxeciited under a single contract shall not be 
sul)di\i(led so as to reduce the sum of money to be ])aid tlierefoi' to 
less than .1^1,00(». (lb.) 

All contiiU'ts foi- the construction, im])ro\(Mnent, altc^-ation, or 
repaiis of the streets, avenues, hi_i»hways. alleys, outtei's, sew(M's, and 
all work of like natun^ must be made aiul entered into only by and 
with the ofUcial unanimous consiait of the Connnissioners of the Dis- 
trict, (lb., 106.) 

The Conuuissioners may mak(> sei)ai'ate contracts for materials and 
for laboi- in executing" ])ublic works. {•A'J Stats., 12;").) 

All contracts shall be coj)ied into a book kept foi' that ])ur])ose and 
be siyiKHl by the said Commissioners, and no contract involving an 
expenditure of more tlum $100 shall be valid until r(>corded and siu-ned 
as aforesaid. (-20 Stats., IOC).) 

Pursuant to an order dated August 2, ISTS, all contracts are pre- 
pared by and recorded by the Kngincer Commissioner. 



GOVERNMENT OB^ THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 177 

The Comptroller of the Treasury orally advised the Commissioners 
that ))ooks composed of one of each of the original contracts bound 
together would meet the recpiirenumts of this law as to copNdng con- 
tracts into a book. This secures accuracy and also obviates the labor 
of transcrilung them, which involves the copying of a large amount 
of printed matter included in the forms. 

OFFICKRS AND CONTRACTORS' BONDS. 

(too(1 and sulKcient bonds to the United States, in a penal sum not 
less than the aniouiitof the contract^ with sureties to be approved by 
tlie Connnissioners of the District of Columbia, shall be required from 
all contractors, guaranteeing that the terms of their contracts shall be 
strictly and faithfidly performed to the satisfaction of and acceptance 
by said Commissioners. (20 Stats., 106.) 

Neithcn- of said Connnissioners, nor any olficer whatsoever of the 
District of Columl)ia, shall be accepted as surety upon any bond 
re(}uired to be given to the District of Columbia; nor shall any con- 
tractor he accepted as surety for any officer or other contractor in said 
District, (lb., 1(»3.) 

BIENNIAL EXAMINATION OF OFFICIAE BONDS. 

Kvery officer reijuiicd ])\ law to take and approve official bonds shall 
cause the same to l)e examined at least once every two years for the 
purpose of ascertaining the sufficiency of the sureties thereon; and 
every officer having i)ower to hx the amount of an official bond shall 
examine it to ascei'tain the sufficiency of the amount thereof and 
approve or fix said amount at least once in two years, and as much 
oftener as lie may deem it necessary. (20 Stats., 807.) 

RENEWAL OF OFFICIAL BONDS. 

E\'ery officer whose tluty it is to take and approve official bonds 
shall cause all such l)onds to be I'enewed every four years after their 
dates, or oftener if he deem such action necessary. In his discretion 
a ne\v bond may l)e waived for the period of service of a bonded officer 
after the expiration of a four-year term of service, pending the 
appointment and (pialitication of his successor. The nonperformance 
of any of said re((uirements on the part of any official of the Govern- 
ment shall not be held to ati'ect in any respect the liability of principal 
or sureties on any bond made or to be made to the ITuited States, and 
the liability of the principal and sureties on all official bonds shall con- 
tinue and cover the period of service ensuing until the appointment 
and (|ualitication of the successor of th(^ principal; nor shall anj^thing 
in the foregoing l)e construed to repeal or modif}' section 3836 of the 
Revised Statutes of the United States, (lb.) 

14248—03 12 



178 GOVERNMKNT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

TERM OF (^)NTRACTORS' LTABILITV. 

Contractors shall keep new pavements or other new w^orks in repair 
foi' a term of live years from the date of the completion of their con- 
tracts. (20 Stats., too.) 

RETENTS FROM COXTRACTORS. 

Ten per cent of the cost of all new works shall be retained as an 
additional secnrity and a guaranty fnnd to keep the sanu^ in repair 
for said term (20 Stats.. 10<i), which said \)ov cent nnu^ be invested by 
th(^ Treasurer of the United States, at the re([uest and risk of the con- 
tractor, in any class of ])onds of the United States or of the District 
of Cbhunbia, whenever the rctent is !i^lOO or more. (24 Sttits., 501.) 

I'UniJC SCHOOLS. 

The Connnissicnu-rs of th(> District of Cohunbia are authorized to 
appoint seven i)ersons, bona tide residents and taxpayers of the District 
of Cohunbia, and who li;ae Ixhmi such for H\e years innncdiately pre- 
ceding their appointment, to constitute a l)t)ard of education, and 
whose term of otiice is seven years, (>xcept that the terms of the persons 
tirst appointed terminate as follows: One year each, to be determined 
by lot among the se\ en members of the board tirst appointed. The 
com])ensation of menil)ers of the board is i^lO each for ])ersonal attend- 
juice at e;udi meeting, but shall not exceed for any member i>500 per 
aiuunn. The board has complete jurisdiction over all administrative 
matters connected with the public schools of the District of Columl>i!i, 
except that all expenditures of public funds foi- such school ])urposes 
ar(> made and accoimted for as now pro\ided by law under the diriH'tion 
and control of the Commissioners of the District of C/olumbia. The 
board makesall lUMnlful lules and regulations Nvliich may be ])roper for 
the govenuuent and control of schools, and makers antuial report to the 
Connnissioners of the District of C\)lumbia, who transmit the same to 
Congress, of the condition and operations , of said schools, and the 
sanitary and structural condition of all buildings in use, as well as those 
in cours(> of construction, with r(>commendations as to needed changes. 

The board has ])o\\er to appoint oiu^ supeiintendent for ;dl th(^ pub- 
lic schools of tlu^ District of CV)luml)ia, two assistant superintendents — 
one of whom, under the direction of tln^ superintendent, has charge 
of schools for colored children — a secretary, and three clei'ks, and to 
remove said otKcers at its pleasure; and has power to emi)lov and 
remove all teachers, othcers, and other employees connected with the pub- 
lic schools not already sp(>citied. ( Iraduates of the normal schools have 
preference in all cases when appointments of teachers for the grade 
schools are to l)e made. The superintendent annually submits to the 
board for its appri)val the course of studies and list of text-books and 
other apparatus for use in said schools. 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 179 

Twelve medical inspectors of public schools, four of whom shall be 
of the colored race, at $500 each, shall be appointed by the Commis- 
sioners only after competitive examination, and shall have had at least 
five years' experience in the practice of medicine in the District of 
Columbia, and shall perform their duties under the direction of the 
health officer and according- to rides fornuilatcd from time to time by 
hiin, which shall be subject to the approval of the board of education 
and the Commissioners. 

The board annually sends to the Commissioners of the District of 
Columbia an estimate in detail of the amount of mone}^ re([uired for 
the public schools for the ensuing- 3^ear, which the Conmiissioners 
include in their annual estimate of appropriations for the District of 
Columbia, with such recommendations as they deem proper. (31 
Stat., 561.) 

For convenience of administration the schools are classified into eleven 
divisions, each of which includes a certain number of schools and is 
under the immediate surveillance of a separate supervising principal; 
but these divisions have no definite geographical boundaries. 

The maximum number of pupils enrolled in the public schools of the 
District of Colum1)ia was 18,132—32,518 white and 15,1)11 colored; 
an increase of 1,001, or 2.11 per cent over the enrollment of the pre- 
vious year. 

The average enrollment was 10,658, or 3.1!» per cent above that of 
the previous j^ear. 

The average num))er of pupils in daily attendance was 37,996. 

The night school enrollment was 2,750 — 1,626 white and 1,121 
colored. The vacation school enrolled 181 persons. The pupils were 
housed in 139 school buildings. 



TEACHERS. 



Eight hundred and eighty-five white teachers and 138 colored teach- 
ers were employed. 

EXPENDITUKES. 

The day schools cost $1,719,155.06; the night schools cost $9,282.02; 
the vacation school cost $997.26; total cost $1,729,131.31. The cost of 
tuition per pupil, including supervision, based on the average enroll- 
ment, was $22.15; the cost per pupil for all expenses, except repairs 
and permanent improvements, based on the average enrollment, was 
$30.67. 

SESSIONS. 

The day schools were open 176 days. 

The night schools were open 57 nights. 

The vacation school was open 29 days. 

Pupils shall not be admitted to nor taught free of charge in the 



180 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

public schools of the District of Columl)i:i who do not reside in said 
District, or whose parents do not reside or are not engaged in busi- 
ness or public duties therein: Provided, That such pupils may be 
admitted to and taught in said public schools on payment of such 
amount, to ho. fixed b}^ the board of school trustees, with the approval 
of the Commissioners of the District, as will cover the expense of their 
tuition and cost of text-liooks and school supplies use4 bj them; and 
all pa3"ments hereunder shall be paid into the Treasure", one-half to the 
credit of the United States and one-half to the credit of the District of 
Colum])ia. (30 Stats.. 105(;.) 

INDUSTRIAL HOME SCIIOOU. 

This institution is situated on the east side of the Tennallytown road, 
a short distanc(> north of the city of Washington. 

Its object is to provide for the care and elenjcntal instruetiou in 
handicraft, in connection with the ordinary mental studies, of children 
between the ages of live and fifteen years who, from indigency or neg- 
lect, would otherwise be deprived of such care and instruction. (29 
Stats., -ilo.) It is managed l)y a board of trust(H's appointed by the 
Commissioners. 

CARNECIE LIBRARY. 

This institution is located on Mount Yci-non S(|uare, which belongs 
to the United States, but the building was enacted at a cost of $350,000, 
at the expense of Mr. Andrew Carnegie, whose action in the mat- 
ter was inspired by a suggestion made to him by Hon. Ik'ainard II. 
Warner. 

The books and other pid)lications and manuscripts are obtained 
througli appropriations of pul)lic rin'einuvs for the ])urpose, and from 
grants by pul)lic-spii'ited resident and nonresident donors. It is man- 
aged by a board of trustees appointed by the Commissioners. 



BOARD OF CHARITIES. 

A Board of Charities, to consist of five members, residents of the Dis- 
trict, shall be appointed 1)}^ the President of the United States, by and 
with the advice and consent of the Senate, each for a term of three 
years, but in such manner that tlie terms of not more than two of them 
shall expire in any one or the same j^ear. The members of said board 
shall serve without compensation. No member shall serve as trustee 
or other administrative officer of any institution subject to the \'isita- 
tion of the said board. The V)oard shall elect a president and vice- 
president from among its own members, and shall appoint a secretaiy 
and such other officers, inspectors, and clerks as it may deem proper, 
and fix the number, duties, and compensation thereof subject to appro- 
priations of Congress. 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 181 

The said Board of Charities shall visit, inspect, and maintain a gen- 
eral supervision over all institutions, societies, or associations of a 
charitable, eleemosynary, correctional, or ref orraator}^ character which 
are supported in whole or in part by appropi'iations of Congress, made 
for the care or treatment of residents of the District of Columbia; and 
no payment shall be made to any such charitable, eleemosynary, cor- 
rectional, or reformatory institution for any resident of the District 
of Columbia who is not received and maintained therein pursuant to 
the rules established by such Board of Charities, except in the case of 
persons committed by the courts, or abandoned infants needing imme- 
diate care. The officers in charge of all institutions su])joct to the 
supervision of the Board of Charities shall furnish said board, on 
request, such information and statistics as ma}^ be desired; and to 
secure accuracy, uniformity, and completeness of such statistics the 
board may prescril)e such forms of report and registration as may be 
deemed to be essential; and all plans for new institutions shall, before 
the adoption of the same, be submitted to said board for suggestion 
and criticism. The Commissioners of the District of Columl>ia may 
at any time order an investigation by the board, or a committee of its 
members, of the management of any penal, charitable, or reformatory 
institution in the District of Columbia; and said board or any author- 
ized committee of its members, when making such investigation, shall 
have power to seiid for persons and papers and to administer oaths and 
affirmations; and the report of such investigation, with the testimony, 
sludl be made to the Commissioners. All accounts and expenditures 
of said board shall be certified as may ))e required by the Commis- 
sioners, and paid as other accounts against the District of Columbia. 
The said board shall make an annual report to Congress, through the 
Commissioners of the District of Columbia, giving a full and complete 
account of all matters placed under the supervision of the board, all 
expenses in detail, and all officers and agents employed, with a report 
of the secretary, showiug the actual condition of all institutions and 
agencies under the supervision of the board, the character and econ- 
om}' of adiuinistration thereof, and the amount and sources of their 
public and private income. The said report shall also include recom 
mendationsforthe economical and efficient administration of the chari- 
ties and reformatories of the District of Columbia. The said board 
shall prepare and include with its annual report such estimates of 
future appropriations as will, in the judgment of a majority of its 
members, best promote the effective, harmonious, and economical man- 
agement of the affairs under its supervision; and such estimates sub- 
mitted shall be included in the regular annual Book of Estimates. No 
member or employee of said board shall be either directly or indirectly 
interested in any contract for liuilding, repairing, or furnishing an}^ 
institution which the board is authorized to investigate and supervise 
(31 Stats., 664). 



182 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 



BOARD OF CHILDREN S GUARDIANS. 



AN ACT to provide for the care of dependent children in the District of Cohimbia 
iin<l to create a Board of C'iiildren's (iuardians. 

That there .shall he created in and for the District of Cohimbia a 
]x)ard to be know as the Board of Children's Guardians, composed of 
nine members who shall serve without compensation, the said ))oard to 
be a body politic and corporate and to have the powers^and to })e con- 
stituted in the manner hereinafter provided. 

Sec. 2. That the memb(>rs of the Board of Children's Guardians shall 
be appointed by th(^ judges of the })()lict> court and tiie jud^-e holdinor 
the criminal court of the District of Columbia, met together for that 
purpose, the asscMit of a majority of such judo-es lieiny necessarv to 
appointment in each c-ase: Proiudd. That there shall always be at 
least three reprc^sentatives of each sex upon the l)oard. Of the nine 
mend)ers first appointed after the passage of this act, three shall be 
appointed for one year, three for two years, and three for three years. 
Thereafter all appointments, exce})t such as shall lie made for the 
remainder of unexpired terms, shall be for the term of three years. 
Thi' judges of the police court and tln^ ji^dge holding the criminal 
court, or a majority of them, when met together for that purpose, may 
remove for cause any memlierof the ])oard: Proiu'dcd, That such m(>m- 
ber shall be given an opportunity to be lu^ard in his own defense. 

Sec. 8. That the board shall elect from its own members a president, 
vice-president, and secretary. Avho shall severally discharge the duties 
usual to sucli oiHces. or such as the by-laws of the board may pre- 
scribe. The ])oard shall have the power, subject to the approval of the 
Commissioners, to employ not more than two agents, at an annual com- 
pensation not exceeding two thousand four hundred dollars for the 
two. and prescribe their duties, and to conclude^ arrangeuKMits with 
persons or institutions for the care of dependent children at such rates 
as may ))e agreed upon. 

Sec. 4. That said l)oar(l shall havi' the care, and supervision of the 
followino- classes of children: First. All children committed under 
section two of the act approved Fe])ruary thirteenth, eighteen hundred 
and eiy-htv-tive, entitled, '"An act for the protection of children in the 
District of Columbia, and for other purposes." Second. All children 
who are destitute of suitable homes and adeciuate means of earning an 
honest living, all children abandoned by their parents or guardians, 
all children of habitually drunken or vicious or unfit parents, all chil- 
dren ha])ituallv beo-o-inof on the streets or from door to door, all chil- 
dren kept in vicious or immoral associations, all children known by 
their lano-uao-e or life to be vicious or incorrigible whenever such chil- 
dren may be committed to the care of the board by the police court or 
the criminal court of the District; and power is hereby given to these 
courts to commit such children when not over sixteen years of age to 
said Ijoard: Provided, That the laws regulating the commitment of 



G0VERNMP:NT of the district of COLUMBIA. 183 

children to the reform schools of the District shall not be deemed to 
be repealed in an}^ part b}^ this act. Third. Such children as the board 
of trustees of the Reform School for Boys or the Reform School for 
Girls ma}^, in their discretion, commit to the Board of Children's 
Guardians, and power is hereby given the board of trustees of the said 
reform school to commit any inmate of their respective institutions 
to the said board of g-uardians, conditionally upon the good Ix^havior 
of the child so committed. Fourth. Under the rules to be established 
by the board, children may be received and temporarily cared for 
pending investigation or judgment of the court. 

Sec. 5. That the board shall l)e the legal guardian of all children 
committed to it by the courts, and shall have full power to board them 
in private families, to board them in institutions willing to receive 
them, to bind thorn out or apprentice them, or to give them in adoption 
to foster parents. Children received from the reform schools shall be 
placed at work, bound out or apprenticed, and at any time before 
attaining majority may be returned to the school from which they 
came, if in the judgment of the board of guardians such a course is 
demanded by the interest of the community or the welfare of the child. 
All children under the guardianship of the board shall be visited not 
less than once a 3a^ar )jy an agent of the board, and as nuich oftener 
as the welfare of the child demands. Children received temporaril}^ 
may not be kept longer than one week, except by order of the police 
court or the criminal court. 

Sec. (3. That the antecedents, character, and condition of life of each 
child received by the board shall be investigated as fully as possible, 
and the facts learned entered in permanent records, in which shall also 
be noted the subsequent history of each child, so far as it can be 
ascertained. 

Sec. T. That the Commissioners of the District shall have authorit}^ 
to prescribe the form of records to he kept l)y the l)oard of guardians, 
and the methods to be employed by them in paying bills and auditing 
accounts; and an annual report of its operations hereunder shall be 
made by the board to the superintendent of charities. The superin- 
tendent of charities shall have full powers of investigation and report 
regarding all branches of the work of the board, as well as over all 
institutions in which children are placed by the board; and it shall be 
his duty to recommend annually the appropriations which in his judg- 
ment are necessary to the carrying on of its work. 

Approved, July 26, 1892. (27 Stats., 26S.) 

AN ACT to enlarge the powers of the courts of the District of Coluinl)ia in cases 
involving delinquent children, and for otlier purposes. 

Be it enacted hy the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled^ That the judges of the crim- 
inal and police courts of the District of Columbia are hereby authorized 



184 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

and empowered, at their discretion, to commit to the custody and care 
of the Board of Children's Guardians of the District of Cohmibia 
children under seventeen years of age who sliall he convicted of petty 
crimes or misdemeanors which may ])e punishahle with tine or impris- 
onment; and said Board of Children's Guardians shall place, under 
contract, such children in such suitable homes, institutions, or training 
schools for the care of clii'.dren as it may deem wise and proper. 

Sec, '2. TJiat no court shall commit a child under seventeen >'ears of 
age, charged with or convicted of a petty crime or misdemeanor pun- 
ishable 1)3" a tine or imprisonment, to a jail. Avorkhouse, or police 
station; but if such child be unable to give l)ail or pa}' a line, it may 
be committed to the Board of Children's Guardians temporarily or 
permanently, in the discretion of the court, and said l)oard shall make 
some suital»le provision for said child outside tln^ inclosure of any jail, 
workhouse, or police station, or said court may conuuit such child to 
the reform school under the laws now providing for such commitment. 

Sec. 8. That for the purpose of aiding the court in a proper dispo- 
sition of cases I'eferred to in section one the Board of Children's 
Guardians is hereby authorized and directed to designate one of its 
emploj'ees as a probation officer. whos(^ duty shall be to make such 
investigation in cases involving children under seventeen vears of age 
as the court may direct, to be present in coui't in order to represent 
the interests of the child when the case; is heard, to furnish the court 
such information and assistance as the judge may rc(|uirc, and to take 
charge of any child before and after trial as may l)e directed by the 
court. 

Sec. 4. That any person within the District of Columbia, of suffi- 
cient financial al)ility, who shall refuse or neglect to provide for any 
child under the age of fourteen years, of which he or she shall be the 
parent or guardian, such food, clothing, and sheltcu- as will prevent 
the sutfering and secure the safety of such child, shall be deemed 
guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction^ thereof shall bo sul)ject 
to punishment by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars, or by 
imprisonment in the workhouse of the District of Columbia for not 
more than three months, or both such fine arid imprisonment. 

Sec. 5. That whenever petition or information shall have been filed 
in any court of the District of Columbia authorized to commit children 
to the care, custody, and guardianship of the Board of Children's 
Guardians for such commitment of any child, and upon the hearing of 
the same before said court it shall appear to the satisfaction of the 
court that such child is entitled to be connnitted as aforesaid under or 
by virtue of any of the provisions of the act of Congress approved 
July twenty-sixth, eighteen hundred and ninet^'-two, entitled "An act 
to provide for the care of dependent children in the District of Colum- 
bia and to create a Board of Children's Guardians," and if said evidence 
tends to show that such child has a fathei' or a mother, either of whom 



[ 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 185 

is able to contribute to the support of such child, either by reason of 
having means or property or having an income consisting of wages or 
salary due for personal services or labor or otherwise, but fails or 
neglects so to do, then the proper prosecuting officer shall file in the 
police court of the District of Columbia an information charging said 
father or mother, or both, with such failure or ncgh;ct, and upon con- 
viction thereof the said court shall requii-e the father or the mother of 
such child, or l)oth such father and mother, to contribute by stated 
payments, to be made to said Board of Children's Guardians, toward 
the support of such child such sum or sums, monthly, weekly, or 
otherwise, as in the judgment of said court either or ])oth such father 
and mother should and may be able to pay; and the courts aforesaid 
may at an}" time hear and determine any petition for an order for con- 
tri))ution toward maintenance of an}' child who has heretofore been or 
who may hereafter ])e committed to the guardianship of the Board of 
Children's Guardians, or foi' modifying or suspending- the operation 
of an}" such order previously made. 

I Sec. (). That any person against whom an order for contribution 
toward maintenance may have ])cen made, as provided for in this act, 
who shall refuse or neglect to make such payments as ordered, shall 
be deemed guilty of contempt, and upon conviction thereof shall be 
sentenced to suffer inijirisonment in the workhouse of the District of 
Cohunl)ia for not loss tlian three months nor more than one year, and 
such imprisonment shall not exempt such person from additional 
imprisonment for further neglect or refusal to make contril)ution as 
aforesaid: Provided^ however^ That if, after such conviction, any such 
parent shall appear l)efore the court before which such conviction shall 
have taken place and shall show to the satisfaction of the court that 
the amount due under such order, up to the time of conviction, has 
been paid, and further, with good and sufficient surety, to be approved 
by said court, shall enter into bond to the United States in the penal 
sum of five hundred dollars, conditioned that he will thereafter pay 
such sums as may have been ordered or that may thereafter be ordered 
to be paid by said court until such order shall be revoked, the said 
court may suspend sentence therein during the continuance of such 
bond. 

Sec. T. That the disbursing officer of the Board of Children's Guard- 
ians shall receive and shall be responsible under his bond for all 
moneys paid to said ])oard under the provisions of this act, and shall 
pay the amounts so received by him into the Treasury of the United 
States within twenty days after the close of each fiscal quarter. 

Sec. 8. That all acts and portions of acts inconsistent with the pro- 
visions mentioned above are hereby repealed, and the terms of the 
provisions in the above sections shall become law on and after the date 
of approval. 

Approved, March 3, 1!)()1. (31 Stats., 1095.) 



186 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

When the Px^ard of Children's Guardians })lace in private families 
children committed to the guardianship of said })oard l)y the courts of 
the District, such children shall, as far as ])racticable, be placed only 
in such families as are of the same ridig-ious denomination or belief as 
the parents or last surviving parent of the child. (District appropria- 
tion law, March 1, iDOl.) 

REFORM SCHOOI.S. 

There are two reform schools in the District, one ft)r boys (16 Stats., 
119), and one for girls (25 Stats., 215), the ()l)ject of which is the refor- 
mation of boys and girls who are not susceptibU* to parental discipline, 
or who become liable to punishment by imprisonment for minor infrac- 
tions of the law. Kach of th(\se institutions is managed by a separate 
board of trustees. 

The i-eform school foi' boys is situated on the liladensburg road, 
al)out 2 miles noitli of the city of Washington; that for girls is on 
the Conduit road, near the District line. 

The boards of trustees of these institutions are appointed by the 
President of the United States. 

INSANF. 

Indigent insane^ persons resident of the District of Columbia are 
admitted for temporai'y detention into the (lovernment Hospital for 
the Insane, at t\\o expense of said Disti'ict, at the re(iu(\st of tlu^ Com- 
missioners, and for permanent care and tre:itment when connnitted 
upon the Conmiissioneis' re([uest based upon the finding of a mai'shars 
jury, confirmed l)y the justice^ holding the e(|uity court. 

Nonresident indigent insane |)ersons found in the Disti'ict of Colum- 
bia are admitted upon the same conditions as the former, but it is the 
duty of the Connnissioners to rc^tuiii them to their homes so soon 
as their domiciles can b(; ascertained. 

AVOKK HOUSE. 

The workhouse is foi- the confinement of persons convicted of minor 
offenses against the laws and sentenced to im})risonment for compara- 
tivel}' short terms. PrisoiuM-s who are al)le to work and whom it is 
deemed i)rud(Mit to employ outside of the workhouse are required to 
do various kinds of laboi- m the various departnuMits of the asylum 
and on the asylum grounds and th(^ |)ublic works. The institution is 
situated on the asylum grounds. 

WASHINGTON ASYLUM. 

The object of this institution is the public relief and maintenance by 
the District of pooi', intirm. and diseased persons who are in need of 



noVEENMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 187 

such assistance. All of its inmates who are able to work are required 
to be occupied in some kiiid of useful employment. It is situated on 
the Eastern Branch, from C to G streets south. 

.lAIl.. 

When any person is sentenced to imprisonment for a term not 
excccflintj;- six months, tlu^ court may direct that such imprisonment 
shall l)c either in the Avorkhousc or in the jail. When any person is 
sentenced for a term lonyei' than six months and not lon<4"er than one 
year,,such imprisonment shidl l)e in the jail, and where the sentence is 
imprisonment for more than one year it shall bo in some penitentiary. 

TNSURAN(^E DEPARTMENT. 

'J'he (yonmiissionei's appoint a superintendent of insurance, who, 
subject to the C'onuuissioners' general directions, has supervision of 
all matters pertaininf;" to insurance, insurance companies, and bene- 
ti(;ial orders and associations. 

It is the duty of the sup<M-intendent to see that all laws of the United 
States relatino- to insui-ance or insurance companies. l)en(»tit orders, 
and associations doing business in the District are faithfully' executed, 
with the object of preventing loss to insured persons through the mis- 
management or insolvency of such companies. 

'I'hc list of fees exactv^d of such companies was established by order 
of February 4, 1!)(»^, and is embraced among the items under head of 
"Methods of taxation." 

METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT. 

A|)pointees on the police force of the District of Columl)ia must be 
able to read, write, and speak the Knglish language, be a citizen of 
the United Stat(\s, and have resided in the District for two years next 
preceding the api)ointment, nev(n' have l)een uidicted and convicted of 
(;rime, be at least 5 feet 8 nu'hes in luught, between 22 and 35 years of 
age, of good health and reputation, and must pass an examination as 
to his kiu)wledg(> in the elementary braru'hes of education and as to 
his knowledge of the principal localities of tin; District. 

On th(^ 1st day of dnly, 11)03, th(> personnel of the Metropolitan 
police department of (he District of Columl)ia will be — 

1 niiijor and sujierint(Mi(U'iit $4, 000 

1 captain and aHsiwiant snpeiintendent 1 , 800 

4 c;ai)tainH, each 1 , 500 

1 chief clerk, who .shall be property clerk 2, 000 

1 clerk 1 , 500 

1 clerk 900 

2 clerks, each 720 

4 surgeoDH, each 540 



188 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

10 lieutenants, each ?1, 320 

20 detective sergeantw (privates detailed), each 1, 320 

35 sergeants, eacl i 1,140 

240 privates of class 2, each 1 , 080 

350 privates of class 1 , each 900 

40 ]>ri vates of class 1 , each 720 

3 teU'iihouf operators, each (iOO 

24 desk sergeants, each 840 

1 janitor ^ 720 

1 laborer 080 

13 laborers, each 000 

1 messenger 700 

1 messenger 500 

24 drivers, each • 600 

3 matrons (Iwoof these are on duty at the House of Detention ;ui<l one at 

lirst precinct station ), each TjOO 

Fifty-one. oUicers and [irivates are niounted on horses ami receive ^^240 a vt'ar each 
in addition to their regular salaries. 

Sixty-four serm'anls and privates are mounted lui liicycies and receive $40 a year 
each in a<ldition to tiieir regular salarii's. 

STUKKT-CKOSSI NO I'OI.ICEMKX. 

In addition to the !d>()Vo-nionti<)n(Ml forces the Connnissioncs are 
required to station s])(>ci!d polieenien at such street-railway crossing's 
and intersections in thi; citv of Washiuo-tou us the\' deem necessary. 
The expense of that scr^'ice is ])aid pro rata hy i\\o respective street- 
railway coniptuues, accordino- to the nuinhci- of cars of each company 
operated over such crossin<>-s. The })r(\sent luimher of such ofticers 
on duty is ?>7. and their compensation §7;') \)cy month each. They 
must possess the same (lualiHcations for appointment and are subject 
to th(> same rides and discipline as meml)ers of (he regular force. (30 
Stats., 4S!).) 

I'KIV AI'E OKTRCTIVF.S. 

Private detectives may he appointed, who shall give l)ond, satisfac- 
tory to tlie Commissioners, for at least $1(),0()('). ami he sid)iect to all 
laws which go\ei'n th<^ })olice force in respect to persons, property, 
and money. (U Stuls., L^14.) 

ADDI rioXAl, AND SPECIAL TOLICEMEN. 

Additional polit-emen are appointed by the Commissioners, whose 
jurisdiction extends over a definite and limited area, practically the 
inmiediate viciinty of the property of the persons who apply for their 
appointment (12 Stats., o22); for instance, the vicinage of a number 
of business houses and stores. 

Special policemcMi :\re appointed under the act of March 3, 1899, on 
the application of corporations or individuals, or in the Conmiissioners' 
own discretion, for duty m connection with some .specified property, 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTKICT OF COLUMBIA. 189 

as that of a railroad company or a storehouse. As in case of additional 
policemen, their compensation is paid by the person or corporation at 
whose instance they are appointed. They are subject to such general 
regulations as the Commissioners may prescribe. (30 Stats.. 1057.) 

The power of special policemen shall only be exercised l)y them in 
connection with the property of or under the charge of the corporation 
or individual upon his application for that appointment. (Order of 
Comissioners, June T, 1809.) 

POLICE PRECINCTS. 

For facilit}' of administration the police departiucnt is divided into 
10 precincts, at each of which is a central station, located as hereinafter 
stated. The substation at Anacostia is in the fifth precinct. 

POWER OF APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL OK POLICEMEN. 

Original appointments of privates shall be made to class one, and 
all promotions within the force shall be made according to such regu- 
lations and after such ph3\>^ical and mental examinations as the Com- 
missioners of the District of Columbia shall prescribe: Provided. 
That the said Commissioners shall lix the limits of age and height, and 
shall prescribe the duties of all officers and members of the police 
force: And provided further., That no removal from the police force 
shall be made except on written charges and after an opportunity foi 
defense on the part of the person against whom such charges may be 
made; Imt no person so removed shall be reappointed to any office 
in said police force. — Act of Congres.-(^ approved Fehruary ^5, 1901 
{31 Stats., 820). 



HOUSE OF DETENTION. 



The house of detention is a branch of the police department, where 
all persons under 17 years of age and women and girls over that age 
under arrest or held as witnesses to ofi'enses against the hiws are 
detained pending examination or trial. 

The building occupied for this service is No. .505 Eighteenth street 
NW. 

The employees at the house of detention are— 

2 matrons on detail from police department. Perdium. 

3 clerks, eaeh _ §1 . ((4 

3 guards, each 1 . 50 

3 drivers, each 1. 15 

1 hostler 1, 31 

1 laborer 1. 50 

1 driver 1_ 31 

POLICE PATROL AND A.MBULANCE .SYSTEMS. 

The police patrol system consists of a number of structures called 
"patrol boxes," generally distributed throughout the District, which 
contain apparatusfor telephonic communication with the several police 



190 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

stations; and of a number of vehicles to transport persons under arrest 
witliout requiring- tlie arresting officer to leave his beat unguarded. 

An ambulance system is also under the supervision of the police 
department, to provide transportation for sick or injured persons in 
cases of emergency to a place where medical or suro;ical care and treat- 
uient may be promptly provided. 

SUlUiEONS OF POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS. ^ 

The mcm))ers of the police and lire departments and the watchmen 
at the public parks are entitled to the gratuitous service of the sur- 
geons of the police and hre departments. These surgeons also make 
preliminary examinations of persons alleged to be insane and examine 
candidates for positions in the police and lire departments to deter- 
mine whether they are ph3\sically suitable for service in those depart- 
ments. 

POLICE FUND. 

Th(^ police fund is derived from the following sources: 

All tines imposed by the Commissioners upon members of the police 
force by way of discipline, and collectible from pay or salary; all 
rewards, fees, proceeds of gifts, and any portion of emoluments that 
may be paifl and given for extraordinary service of any member of 
said force, which he shall not be allowed to retain. {12 Stats., 581.) 

All moneys arising from the sale of unclaimed goods in the custody 
of the property clerk of the police department. (I))., 325.) 

One dollar per month deducted from the pay of each regular police- 
man. (23 Stat.. ;'51«;.) 

From tines in i)olice court, enough to meet any inadequacy of other 
sources named. (29 Stats., 404; 31 Stats., 820.) 

From receipts for dog licenses, enough to meet an}^ inadequacy of 
other sources named. (31 Stats., 820.) 

The sum so deducted shall be invested in United States or District 
bonds by the Treasurer of the United States, 'and ))e held by him sub- 
ject to the drafts of the Commissioners for expenditures made in pur- 
suance of law, and such expenditures shall l)e accounted for as required 
by law for other expenditures of the District. (23 Stats., 316.) 

And said fund shall be used as follows: 

The superintendent, assistant superintendent, any captain or lieu- 
tenant of police, in case of retirement as now provided l)y law (Feb- 
ruary 28, 1901), shall receive not exceeding $100 per month; and if, in 
case of the death from injury or disease of any of said officers, he leave 
children under 16 years of age, or a widow, the same shall be foi' their 
relief during the period of widowhood, or until such children reach 
the age of 16 years; but not exceeding $50 per month for a widow nor 
|25 per month for a child. (lb.) 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTKICT OF COLUMBIA. 



191 



For the relief of an}^ policemjin who, by injury received or disease 
contracted in line of duty, or, having- served not less than fifteen years, 
shall become so permanently disabled as to be discharged from service 
therefor; and in case of his death from such injury or disease, leaving 
a widow, or children under sixteen years, for their relief: Provided 
further^ That such relief shall not exceed for any one policeman or his 
family the sum of $50 per month; and a sum not exceeding $75 may 
be allowed from said fund to defray the funeral expenses of any police- 
man dying in the service of the District. (23 Stats., 316.) 

For medical or surgical service or treatment not rendered by a sur- 
geon of the police and fire departments, or any other like extraordi- 
nary expense rendered necessary by disaljilit}' or injury contracted in 
the line of duty, when in the judgment of the Commissioners such 
expenditure is proper. (12 Stats., 325.) 

The present expenditures from this fund are about $50, 000 a year. 



POLICE CLOTHING FUND. 



This department also has a fund to provide new uniforms or parts 
thereof to replace any part of such equipment destroyed or materially 
damaged during the discharge of especially hazardous duty. This 
fund is derived from moneys received for rewards for arrest of desert- 
ers from the Army or Nav}^ and from voluntary contributions, and 
miscellaneous sources. 



FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

The lire department of the District of Columljia embraces the entire 
territory of the District. 

Appointees of the fire department must possess the same qualifica- 
tions as those of the police department, except that the}^ must not 
weigh less than 150 pounds nor be under 23 years of age nor over 35. 

The personnel and apparatus of the department are as follows: 

Permnnd. 



Oflieors anil L'liiployee.s. , 


Number. 


Salary 

per 
annum. 


Chief engineer 


1 

3 

1 

1 

1 

26 

14 

14 

7 

27 

186 

26 

1 


S2, 000 


Assistant chief engineers . 


1 200 


Clerk 


1 000 


Fire marshal 


[,200 


Maehinist . 


1 001) 


Foremen 


1 000 


EnErineers. ..... . . 


1 000 


Fi remen 


900 


Tillermen 


900 


Drivers. 


900 


Privates 


840 


VVatehmen 


600 


Laborer 


480 








Total 


308 


264, 320 







192 UOVERNMENT OV THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

Xiinibt'r (Old location of coinpnnies. 



Company. 


Location. 


No. 
No 


companv: 

1 • 




K, between Six-toenth and Seventeenth streets NW. 
1), between Fourteenth and Fifteenth streets- NW. 


No. 


;! 


Delaware avenue an<l (; street NF. 


No. 


A 


Viri,'inia avenue, between Four-and-a-half .■ind Sixth streets S\\'. 


No 


5 


M, between 'rhirtv-second and I'otomac streets NNN'. 


No. 


(■) 


Massachusetts avenue, between Fourth and Fiflhstreets NW. 


No 




H, between Ninth and Tenth streets NW. 


No. 


K 


North Carolina iiv( nue, l)t'tween Sixth ami Seveiitli streets SK. 


No 


11 


U, la'tween Si.\teenth and Seventeenth streets NW. 


No. 


10 


Marvland axenue, between Tliirteentli iiud Fourteeutli streets NR. 


No 


11 


Fourteenth street, between Kenesaw avenvie and Kenvon street NW. 


No 


lli . 


North ('apilol and IJuinev stri'ets. 


No. 


11 


Eighth, between I) and 10 streets NW. 
Washington .-uid Tierce streets, ,\nacosti:i, 1). ('. 

North CaiMtol, betwi-cu TS and C streets. 


No 


ir^ 


Truck coinpiiiiv: 

A 


15 . 


New llanipslure avenue and M street NW. 


c 


Ohio avenue and Fdurteenlli stret't NW. 


D . 


^ 


M street, lu'iu New ,lersev avenue NW. 


R 


S, between Thirlv-rourtli'nnd Thirtv-lifth streets NW. 


F 


Whitney aveuui', between 'i'lnrtecnlli .-lud l''oin1ecnt h streets NW. 
D, between 'i'welfth and Thirteenth streets NW. 


Cheniic 

No 


al comijanv: 
1 


No. 


•> 


BriglUwood, I). ('. 


No. 


3 


Tenlev, 1). (". 


No. 


.1 


RrooUlaiid. D. ('. 


Ihintl cheiincal engine.. 


Cleveland I'arU, D. C. 



Pi'ovisioii 1ms htM'ii made for the e.stiihlisliiiu'iit of an additional 
eiio'iiu' coiiipiiiiv ill the soulhwcstern section of A\ asliington. 

The a])]):ii'atiis of tht>. (Ie});irtnient also emhraces a water tower and a 
nunibei' ol" eoiuhinatioii chemical eii^dnes :iiid hose wai^ons. 

I'llJIO .M.VKSII.M,. 

It is the duty of the lir*' marshal to ascertain as accurately as he 
can the cause of lires and the amount of loss occasioned thereby; to 
super\ise the storao-c and use of hio-hly inllammalde sul)stanct^s, so as 
to minimize the risk and e.xlent of damag'oby their combustion in that 
state, and to ])erform such other duties as may be assi<>-ned to him to 
lessen the i)rob;il)ility and extent of loss to struct iii-(>s and injury 
to persons in consetiuence of lires. 

NIIMHEH ()!•" l''IHI''.S .\N'l) .\(i(UtK(i.\'l'l': I.OSt^ 'l'll!';i;iCI''i;( >M . 

Durinn" llu> fiscal yi^ar ended dune ;'><), i;»()i^, 72(> tires occurred, 
involviuii" an aynreo-atx^ loss of $i;->4,.5()-l:. 

Th(^ auiiremite loss for each of the preceding'- live veai-s wtts as 
follows: 

1897 «^2!)7, 705 

1898 H48, 836 

1899 466, 590 

1900. . . 224, 239 

1 90 1 285, 677 

1'Ii:1':mI':\'s i;i':i,iK!'' i-'UND. 

The firemeirs relief fund is derived from deductions of %\ per month 
from the pay of each tireman (23 Stats., 317), and deficiency therein is 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 193 

met out of the receipts from fines in the police court (29 Stats., 404) 
and from dog licenses, in common with the police fund. (31 Stats., 820.) 
Fines imposed upon the force by way of discipline, and collectible from 
pay or salary, are also placed in this fund. 

The deductions aforesaid shall bo invested in United States or Dis- 
trict bonds and held in the manner provided by existing law in respect 
to the police fund. 

And said firemen's relief fund shall be used as follows: 

The chief engineer of the fire department, in case of retirement as 
now provided by law (February 28, 1901), shall receive not exceeding 
^100 per month, and in case of his death from injury or disease the 
same amount shall be allowed as in case of the superintendent of police, 
(qv.) (81 Stats., 820.) 

For the relief of any fii-eman who shall b}" reason of injuries received 
or disease contracted in the line of actual fire dutv, goino- to, at, or 
returning from a fire, or, having served not less than fifteen years, 
shall become so permanently disabled as to be discharged from service 
therefor, and in case of the death of such fireman from such injury or 
disease, leaving a widow or children under 16 j^ears of age, for their 
relief: J*/-ovided, That no fireman shall be entitled to any of the bene- 
fits of this relief fund who may by reason of his own indiscretion 
])ring on any injury or disease which may incapacitate him from the 
performance of his duties as a member of the fire department or who 
shall be retired for such cause or causes: Provided /urther, That such 
relief shall not exceed for any one fireman or his famil}' the sum of 
$50 per month, and a sum not exceeding |T5 mav be allowed from 
such fund to defray the funeral expenses of any fireman dying in the 
service of the District. (29 Stats., 405.) 

The present expenditures from this fund are about $18,000 per 
annum. 

HEALTH DEPARTMENT. 

The Conmiissioncrs appoint for such term of oflice as they deem 
advisable a healtii officer, who must be a physician, and who, as such 
officer, executes and enforces, under the direction of the Commission- 
ers, all laws and regulations designed to protect the public health. 
(20 Stats., 107.) 

Among the health officer's duties arc the medical inspection of the 
pul)lic schools; the enforcement of the laws and regulations which 
T-clate to the prevention of the sale and use of deleterious articles of 
food; the isolation of persons ill with contagious diseases, in order to 
prevent the spread of such diseases, and the prevention of the intro- 
duction of such diseases from other localities; the impounding of 
vicious and unlicensed dogs and of other animals unlawfully kept or 
at large; the prevention and abatement of nuisances injurious to health; 
14248—03 13 



194 



(K)VEKNMENT OK THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 



the enfoircmont of the law lor the preNention of (ho cniissioii of dense 
black or j^'ray smoke, keepinj^ a record of vital statistics, and furnish- 
ing transcripts of such records. 



Death r<ilc in District <>f Coliiti\hi(t. 



Yeiir. 


White. 


Colored. 


Total. 


1880 




17.63 
18. 86 
20. 95 
18. 55 
16. 97 
17.67 
17.03 
15.04 
17.67 
17.35 
17. 82 
16. 43 


35.71 
31. 20 
32.55 
31.47 
28.18 
29.80 
28.59 
27. 78 
30. 34 
30. 22 
30. 73 
30. 37 


23. 68 


1890 


23. 91 


1893 


24. 74 


18<M 


22. 73 


1895 


20. 57 


] 896 


21.53 


1897 


20. 71 


1898 


19.48 


1899 


21. 65 


1()(X) 


21.37 


1901 


21.83 


1902 - 


20.73 









BOARDS OF MKDICAI- KXAINllNKKS. 

The Commissioners of the nistrictol" Columbia api)()int three boards 
of medical examincM's. One of them is known as the board of medical 
examiners of the District of Colum))ia, and is composed of five physi- 
cians in trood standiiiijf who are adherents to the ri^gular system of 
medical practice. Another is known as the ])oard of homeopathic 
medical examiners of the District of (yolumbia, and is comjjoscd of 
live ph3'si(;ians of good standing, adhei-ents to the homeopathic system 
of medical practice, selected from a list of ten names submilted by a 
majority vote at sonu" regular meeting of the Washington llomeo- 
jiathic Medieal Society. The otluM- is known as the board of eclectic 
medical examiners of the District of Columl)ia, and is composed of 
five mem))ers in good standing, adh(M-ents to the eclectic system of 
medical practice, selected from a list of not less than ten names sub- 
mitted by a majority vote at some regular meeting of the Eclectic 
Medical Society of the District of Colum))ia. 

The meml)ers of each board serve for a term of three years each, or 
until their several suceessors are appointed. They imist have been 
cne-aii'cd in the ])ractice of medicin(> and surgery in the District of 
Columbia for not less than liv(», years at the time of appointment. In 
case of failure of the two m(>dical societies to submit the lists mentioned, 
after fifteen days' notice from the Commissioners, the Commissioners, 
may make appointments without such nomination. 

It is the duty of these boards to examine and certify to the board of 
medical supervisors th(>. (pialitications of all applicants for authority to 
practice medicine or surgery in the District of Columbia. 

A special board is ai)p()inted by the board of medical sui)ervisors 
to make like certification as to ap])licants for authority to jmictice 
midwifery. 

It is the duty of the several l)oards of medical examiners to examine 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMi'.IA. 195 

all iq^pl'^'ii^t'i for license to practice medicine and surgery in the Dis- 
trict of Columbia certified to them respectively by the ])oard of med- 
ical supervisors, in accordance with .such rules as the board of medical 
supervisors, with the approval of the ('onuuissioners, shall make. {2d 
Stats., 11)8.) For fees see "Methods of Taxation." 

BOARD OF MEDICAL SUPERVISOKS. 

The board of medical supervisors consists of the presidents of the 
three l)oards of medical examiners before mentioned and two other 
persons not physicians, one of whom shall be learned in the law, to be 
appointed by the Commissioners of the District of Columbia for a term 
of three years, or until their successors are ap],)ointed. Not more than 
two members of said Inxird shall be adherents of any one S3"stem of 
medical practice. The two lay mendiers shall be paid Kuch reasonal)le 
compensation as the Conunissioncrs shall determine. 

The secretary of this board may be elected from others than its own 
members and be entitled to the same fees for takino- testimony that 
are allowed an examiner in chancery for such s('i-\ice. 

This board, or a majority thereof, ma}^ issu(> a license to each appli- 
cant for authority to practice medicine, surgery, or midwifery in 
the District of Colundiia who shall l)e found ([ualitied therefor. 
No person shall so practice without such license, except sui'gcons 
of the U. S. Army, Navy, or Marine-Hospital Service, regularly 
licensed physicians and surgeons in actual consultation from other 
States and Territories, or regularly licensed physicians and surgeons 
actually called from other States or Territories to attend specified cases 
in the District of Columbia, liut said prohibiton shall not apply to 
the treatment of an}^ case of actual emergency, to the practice of mas- 
sage or the so-called Swedish movement cure, nor to the use of ordi- 
nar}^ domestic remedies without fee, gift, or consideration of any kind. 

Any balance of the amount received for license fees remaining after 
the regular expenses of the board shall l)e met shall be divided among 
the three boards of medical examiners. (lb.) 

COMMISSIONERS OF PHARMACY. 

The Conunissioncrs, biennially, or as often as vacancies occur, 
appoint three pharmacists and two physicians, all of whom shall have 
been residents of the District of Columbia for five years and had at 
least live years' practicsd experience in their respective professions, 
who shall be styled commissioners of pharmacy, and wdio serve as 
such, without compensation, until their successors are appointed and 
qualified. 

It is the duty of the commissioners of pharmacy to regist(>r all per- 
sons found qualified to practice the business of i)harmacist in the Dis- 



196 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTKIOT OF COLUMBIA. 

trit'tof Columbia, as prescrilied by law, and noporson notsorog-istered 
.shall conduct a store, pharmacy, or place for retailing, compounding", 
or dispensing drugs, medicines or chemicals for medicinal use or for 
compounding or dispensing physicians' prescriptions. The fees re- 
ceived by these commissioners shall be applied in pa^-mentof expenses 
incurred l)y them in executing the law. (20 Stats., IBS.) For rate of 
fees see under "Methods ^f Taxation." ^ 

BOARD OF DENTAL EXAMINERS. 

The Commissioners appoint, for terms of live years, a board of 
dental examiners, consisting of live reputable dentists, residents of, 
and foi- three years innnedialely pieceding their appointment actively 
engaged in ihc practice of dentistry in, the District. 

No person shall conuuence the practice of dentistry in the District 
who has not received !i certiticate from the ]K)ard of dental examiners 
that he is qualitied to i)ractice dtMitistry, which has l)een duly regis- 
tered with the lu>alth ollicer. 

The expenses of the board are paid from the fees received for 
making examinations of ap])licants for suchcertilicates. (27 Stats., 42.) 

The rate of fees apjX'ai's under " Methods of taxation.'' 

STKEirr ( ' 1 .EANIN < 5 . 

Many portions of tlu^ roadways of the paved streets are swept 1)y 
horse machines, or Hushed, under contract made for a period of three 
vears. Other portions of such streets are cleaninl ])y hand sweepinj^ 
machines, the operatiA(>s of which are employed by the superintendent 
of the street cleaning department, and uniformed in white to facilitate 
surveillance ])y the overse(M-s and to secure neatness in their appearance. 

The un})aved stnH>ts and alleys are ch^aned under two contracts also 
made for a term of three years. 

The daily area cleaned by hand in i'J02 was L,l)2(»,4iT s(iuarc yards. 
The hand-sweeping machines are the property of the District. 

The machine cleaning and Hushing is done under contract at lt)}f 
cents per 1,0()() square yards. During the past year 900,000 square 
yards of paved surface were cleaned daily. 

The unimproved streets are cleaned by contract at the contract price 
of $04 per day. For this sum the contractor furnishes oO laborers, 12 
horses and carts with drivers, and all tools necessary to do the work. 
The area cleaned during 1902 was 38,751,097 square yards. 

The alley cleaning is done under contract at 35 cents per 1,000 
square yards. 

During 1902 14 miles of unimproved streets and aveiuies were 
sprinkled daily, the cost of which was $3,150.27. 

COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF (TTY REFUSE. 

The Commissioners enter into contract foi- periods not exceeding 
five years each foi- the removal of ashes ;md miscellaneous refuse 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 197 

fi-oni private residence.s, and for the collection and disposal of garbage, 
dead animals, and other noxious refuse wherever found in the Dis- 
trict, and prescribe regulations for the government of this l)ranch of 
the public service. 

All garbage collected must 1)e disposed of through a reduction or 
consumption process in such manner as to entail no damage or claim 
against the District of Columbia from such disposal, and be subject to 
the inspection and approval of the Commissioners. All gar})age con- 
tracts expressly provide that no garbage or other vegetable or animal 
matter shall l)e dumped into the Potomac River or any other waters, 
fed to animals, or exposed to the elements upon land. 

The garbage so collected at present is carried b}^ railroad down the 
west shore of the Potomac about 25 miles, to Cherry Hill, v/here it is 
converted into fertilizing material and other valuable by-products. 

The contract rate for the collection and disposal of garbage and dead 
animals is $51,600 per annum, with provision that the District receive 
50 cents per ton on all garbage collected over 2 >,000 tons during the 
year and that lines may be imposed on the contractor for failure to 
render proper service. Thirt}^ thousand two hundred and ninetj-nine 
tons of garbage and 9,688 dead animals and fowls were collected 
in 1002, as against 2. ,519 tons of garbage and 8,636 dead animals the 
previous yeai'. The rebate to the District on the garbage collected 
amounted to $5,149.50, and fines to the extent of $537 were imposed. 
In accordance with a provision of the contract, the contractor was 
allowed $156 for extra services rendered. The net cost to the District 
for this service was therefore $16,069.50, or $5,530.50 less than the 
contract price. 

Ashes are collected from private residences onl}^ once per week at 
the contract rate of $29,979. During the past j-ear 67,332 cubic yards 
of ashes were removed. Seventy-five dollars in fines was imposed on 
the contractor for defective service. Miscellaneous refuse is col- 
lected once per week from private residences only, at an annual cost 
of $8,000. This class of material is disposed of by the contractor by 
burning. 

ELECTRICAL AND STREET-LIGHTING SERVICE. 

The fire-alarm and other telegraph and telephone systems belonging 
to the District government, the street-lighting service, and the con- 
struction and condition of all electrical appliances are subject to the 
surveillance of the District oflicial styled "the electrical engineer." 

The street-lighting service consists of gaslights, electric lights, and 
oil lights; the use of the latter is almost entirel}" confined to the countr}^ 
roads and remote suburbs. The cost of this service is paid out of the 
public funds, except the expense of lighting streets on which steam 
railroads are operated, which is paid by the railroad companies to 



198 



GOVERNMETSIT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 



which the i'iiili"():uls so used hckjuo-, and the cost of lightino- a sinail 
number of crossiuos, where suburban street railways and country 
roads intersect, which is ])aid by the street-railway company whose 
tracks are crossed by such roads. 

The leo-al charge for nas supplied to j:^overnmental and private con- 
simicrs otluM- than for street-lightino- purposes is $1 per 1,0(><) cul)ic 
feet, with a penalty of 10 per cent if not ])aid within t(Mi days from 
rendition of bill. 

The cost of street lighting- by gas is Jih^O per lamp per annum, includ- 
ing lighting, maintenance, etc. 

The cost of electric lights on streets is $>S0 per light per annum. 

The number and kinds of lamps in use on July 1, 11)02, was as fol- 
lows: (jas, 6,715; Collis, SS; naphtha. I.l(i7; incandescent electric, 
5S1); arc elecitric, 801; coml)ination tire-alarm and designation lamps, 
18. Both gas and electricit}' for lighting purposes are furnished by 
private companies. 

STATEMKNT OF CHARACTER AND EXTENT OF STREET PAVEMENTS 

JULV 1, 1!)02. 

The cost of grading and ])a\ ing carriageways is paid for wholly 
out of the general fund, jind not by n sjxvial ass(\ssment against 
abutting propeity. 

( hn-iaycHHtji 'iiiiproreriicvts. 





Clmnu-U 


■r of work. 


Sijiiare 
yari s. 


Mi 
1,1 


li s in 
illi. 




2,831,108 

437, 85.1 

16, SUi 

569. 325 

233,171 

1,007,250 

1,748,827 




125.44 




19. 98 


Vitrilicd Itlock . 


.52 


(Triiiiiti' l)lo('k 


27. 09 


Cobhlo 


9.81 




47. 70 




90.12 










Total 


0,844,381 




321.26 







STREET RAILWAYS. 



All street railways operated in the District of C'olunit)i;i do so iuid(M- 
charters granted by ('ongress. 

Lcvi/lli of i<lvcd-raUirnij Iracl; In the l>istrlcl of Colinnliio itiid luimc)^ of coiiijKni'icx ii^niij it. 



Ntuiii' of coiiipaHy. 



;ton 



Washington Traction and Klcctric C;o.: 

Metropolitan K. R 

Colninl)ia Jiwy 

City and Suburban livvy. of Wa.^hiu; 

Brightwooil Kvvy 

Georgetown and Tennallytown Ruy 

Anacostia and Potoinae liiver R. R 

Washington and Great Falls Eleetric Kwy 

Washington and Glen Eeho R. R 

Capital Traction 

Baltimore and Washington Transit 

Wasliington, Alexandria and Mount Wrnon Electric Ruy. 

Total 



Underground 
electric. 



Double. Single 



Miles. 
9.31 
2.77 
4.00 



0. 52 



13.44 



.90 



Milca. 
3.98 



2.30 



3.26 
".'33' 



Overhead electric. 



Double.. Single 



Milcti. 



9.93 



4.12 

5. 58 

6. 93 
4.10 
1.46 
3.88 

.10 
3.57 



28. 80 



Miles. 



0.89 



1.64 



.43 



2. 96 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 199 

WATER SUPPLY. 

The water-supply system is owned and controlled by the government. 

The water supph^ is o))tained from the Potomac River by means of 
a dam at Great Falls, and thence through an aqueduct, about 17 miles 
long, and a system of settling and storage I'oservoirs. This a<iueduct 
has a circular section of 9 feet diameter for the upper 14 miles and a 
D-shapcd section of the same diameter for the remainder. This part 
of the water-supply system is under the charge of the Chief of Engi- 
neers of the United States Army. A sand filtration plant is in course 
of construction as an adjunct to this service. 

The distribution of the water to private consumers is effected by a 
system of mains and services laid and controlled under the supervision 
of the District government. 

The cost of laying mains is paid out of the water fund, but private 
projiert}^ for whose special benefit minor water mains are laid is spe- 
cially assessed therefor at a Hat rate per front foot. 

The average daily delivery of water by this system is 60,000,000 
gallons. 

During the j^ear ended June 30, 1902, water was furnished to 58,839 
premises, 47,801 of which were dwellings. 

The revenues of the water department for that year were $395,391.02. 

For charges for use of water and assesments for water main, see 
undei' head of "Methods of taxation." 

A limited supply of water is derived from 62 shallow and 10 deep 
wells, constructed b}^ the District government and variously distributed. 

SEWER SYSTEM. 

The sewerage S3'stem consists of a number of trunk sewers which 
will interc(^pt and conve}^ to the pumping station at the southern 
extremity of New Jersey avenue the entire sewage of the city and the 
storm water of the lower portion of the Tiber Valle3^ The sewage 
will be pumped from the pumping station across the Anacostia River 
in an inverted siphon; thence carried along the left l)ank of the Potomac 
River to near the United States naval magazine, where it will be dis- 
charged into the river. The pumping station also includes a plan for 
elevating the storm water of the low area of the city adjacent to Penn- 
sylvania avenue during freshet stages of the Potomac, dischargmg the 
same into the Anacostia River. 

The total length of sewers, June 30,1902, was — 

Miles. 

Main sewers 93^ 

IMpe sinvcrs 338 

SURVEYOR. 

The Commissioners appoint a surveyor of the District of Columbia 
for a period of four years, at a salary of $3,000 per annum. (28 Stat., 



200 OOVERNMKNT OK TIIK I)IS'l'KI(!T <>K dOLUMUIA. 

681).) His pi'iiu'ipal duty is to inciisiiic ;ui(l mark Ihc bouiuliU-icH of 
lots <)!• olluM' sul)divisio!is of IuihI, and rmnisli certilicates of such 
nioasui'ciiiontiind tlio aroaof tho lots, in s(|uai'(' feet, to persons apply- 
int»- to liiiu for sucli scrvicos, and to do similar work for the District. 
The Conmiissionei's li\ a sclu^dulc^ of f(M\s to ))e charo'cnl by him for all 
work done for private p(>rsotis, to he paid into the Treasury. The 
surveyor chare-es no f(M^s foi' work doiu\ l)\ him foi' th(> District. 

The sur\(>,y()r also re(piires applicants foi- sewerai^-e of unsid>di\ i(h>(l 
tracts to })rovide momuncMits to he used in comiection with sucli sur- 
veys. (Order February 1.^), 11)02.) 

Koi' list of fees of this o(lic(\ see under head ''Methods of taxation.'' 

JlAHJJOli MASTKIi. 

The laws and I'ceidiitions to ])i-event the obstruction or pollution of 
the har))or and to maiidain th(> public p(>ace in its \icinity arcM'uforccd 
bv the harboi- master, who also ])ei'forius many othei- t^-(M-man(> s(M-vices. 
His didies are facilitated by a steam \('ssel, and a crew, and several 
police ollicers subject to his direction. lie is ai)[)ointed by the Com- 
missioners for an indelinitc term. 

wiiAKK i'l.-onoirr'i and uaim'.oi; links. 

The Conimissionei's of the Disliict of Cohuubia ha\'e exclusi\-e juiis- 
diction over all wharf |)rop(M-ty belono-ino- to the I'niled Stat(^s or the 
District of Cohuubia in said District, and the waters adjacent thereto 
within the ])ier lines, except from tlu^ iu)rth lin(> of the Ai's(>nal ^rounds 
to the southern curb of N street south, and 500 linear fe(>,t of shore 
line in the llushino- reser\()ir at the foot of Seventeenth street west 
and the ^vesteI•n curb of said str(M't, including' a levees loo feet wide. 

The (yommissioners and the Child' of I^iUyinecrs of the Army ai-e 
authorized to make all necessary i-ules and rci^ulations for the pro])er 
care of said i)r()])erty, and lix the rat(> of wliarfa;tj;-e; but no leas(> shall 
extend beyond the period of ten years. 

The (commissioners and i\w, Chief of Kn^ineei-s of the Army, with 
the approval of the Secretary of War, have lixed the hai-boi- lines. 
(L. R. 107710; liO Stats., l;-}77.) 

rumjr hatiis. 

A fre(> i)u]>lic bathino- beach was constructed on the shore of the 
tidal i-esei'\()ir uiuh'r authority of an act of C'onercss approved Sep- 
tember (I, 1SI»(), and was luaintained uidil al)andon(Hl on September 1, 
11)02. Pursuant to authoi'ity contained in the Disti'ict api)r()j)riation 
law of -luly 1, 11)02, another bathino- beach has been constructed on 
the imier ))asin; ])ut pi-ovision has also ])(M>n made in the District 
appropi-iation law of Maich ;•'», ll»o;',, for lloatine- baths to be placed in 
the tidal reservoir, which are now in process of construction. 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. '201 

The oxpciiso ol" niaiiageiiiciil uiul iiiiiiiiteruincc! is paid out of tljc Dis- 
trict's revenues, as other gcnci'al expenses are met. A small fee is 
charged for the hire of bathing suits to bathers who do not use their 
own, and this fee is paid into the Treasury, as other revenues of the 
District are deposited. 

About 50, 000 l>ath(!rs have ])een annually accommodated at this 
institution. 

STEAM ENGINEERS. 

It is unlawful for any person (except engineers who have been 
ru^ensed by the United States Government or the laws of any State) 
to act as steam en<ifineer in the District of Colum})ia who shall not 
have been regularly licensed to do so b}^ the Commissioners thereof, 
and have been examined by a l)oard of examiners composed of the 
l)oiler inspectoi- of the District of Columbia and two piactical engi- 
neers to l)e ai)pointed by the DistiMct ('onmiissioners, under rules and 
regulations tlu; Commissioners from time to time provide. For fees 
see "Methods of taxation." 

Steam (>ngineers must be at least 21 years of age and of temperate 
hahits. 

The fee foi' a licens(\ as such is ^^8 for original examination or 
promotion. 

h\)V intoxication on duty, for the fii"st ollVmse the license shall be 
susp(MKl(Ml for six months; for the second oll'ense, twelvemonths, and 
for the thii'd oifense shall be revoked and the licensee ineligible for 
for licensee for live years. 

Any owner or lessee of steam boiler or engine (except ))oilers used 
foi- steaui heating, where the water returns to the boiler without the 
use of a pump and injector oi- insi)irator, and which are worked auto- 
matically), or the secretary of any corporation, who shall knowingly 
em])loy a steam engineer as such who has not been regulai'ly licensed, 
sliull 1)(\ lined $50, or in default conlined one month in the workhouse. 
(24 Stats., 427.) 

PARKS AND PARKING. 

The parking and trees along the sidewalk are under the supervision 
and control of the Connuissic^ners of the District. 

'i'here are approximately 85,000 sidewalk trees. 

The large parks in the city, such as that around the White House 
and the Monument, the various p.irked scjuares, and the circles and 
triangular pai'ks formed l)y the intersection of streets and avenues, 
are under the control of the officer in chiirge of public buildings and 
grounds, who is an officer of the Corps of P^ngineers of the Army. 

Rock Creek Park is under charge of a board of control composed of 
the Commissioners of the District of Columbia and the Chief of Engi- 
neers of the Army. It contains approximately 1,000 acres. (2(> Stats. , 
492; 28 Stats., 252; 31 Stats., 578.) 



202 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 



The Zoological Park contains approximately 175 acres and is under 
charge of the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. (25 Stats. , 808; 
2{] Stats., 78; 31 Stats., 561; 31 Stats., 622.) 

The Potomac Park contains 621 acres. It consists of the greater 
pai't of the large tract of land south of north B street which has ])een 
reclaimed from the Potomac River, and is under the general charge of 
the Chief of Engineers of the Army. (2I> Stats., 624; '^.1 Stats., ()22.) 

INSPECTION OF BOILERS. 

The inspector of boilers is appointed by the Commissioners, and 
required l)y law to examine and test once each year ever}^ steam boiler 
used by private persons in the District for developing power to operate 
machinery, and condemn for use those which he decides to lie unsafe. 
lie is entitled to exact a fee of $5, for each examination from the 
owner of each boiler he so tests, but receives no salary from the District 
government for that service. (L. A., 133.) 

All boilers and engines shall also be subject to such safet}' tests as 
the Commissioners prescribe. (21 Stats., 427.) 

INSPECTION OF BUILDINGS. 

It is unlawful to erect, alter, repair, remove or demolish any private 
building in the District without permission of the Inspector of Build- 
ings and in accordance with the building regulations. The inspector 
is also charged with the duty of causing defective or dangerous struc- 
tures to l)e demolished. 

For fees for permits issued by this office see list of license fees and 
other charges under head of "Methods of taxation.'" 

NumljiT and cduiMtcd raliic of buildings, additions, and, repairs in tlie District of t'ohim- 

hia under present form of (jorernment. 



Fisciil voar. 



1879 , 

isso , 

ISSl , 
1NS2 , 
1.SS3 , 
J,S,S4 , 
ISSf) , 
IHSd , 
l.S,H7 
1.SS8 , 
l.SH'J 
ISKO 



New buildings. 



Num- 
ber. 



r)!),s 


7 so 


71)0 


(i'ji) 


y-ic. 


1,194 


1 , 077 


2,191 


2. 459 


1,872 


2, 191 


2, 246 



Value. 



SI, 472 
I , SSC 
1.74(1 
2. 0;).") 
2,9.'i,S 
3, 3S0 
3, .'i30 
4,707 
5, 900 
f), 703 
5, 353 
(), 944 



, 180. 00 

, 937. 00 

, ISO. m 

515.00 

202. 00 

254. 00 

1.57. 00 

, 929. 00 

149.00 

371.00 

, 9(10. 00 

979. 00 



Value of rc- 
])airs and 
addition.s. 



«256, 
231, 
197, 
3<i5, 
305, 
430, 
459, 
553, 

, 185, 
545, 
800, 
780, 



925. 
598. 
628. 
617. 
936. 
163. 
975. 
978. 
112. 
18S. 
780. 
649. 



00 
00 
00 
00 
00 
00 
00 
00 
00 
00 
00 
00 



New building.s. 



Fiscal vi'iir. 



JJ um- 
ber. 



1891 1 2,305 



3,116 
2, 742 
914 
1,233 
1,169 
820 
8.50 
1,101 
890 
995 
1902 1 1,101 



1892. 
1893. 
1894. 
1895. 
1896. 
1897. 
1898. 
1899. 
1900. 
1901. 



Value. 



J6, 848, 
8, 1,54, 
8, 220, 
3, 473, 
4, 328, 
4, 058, 
3, 322, 
3, 276, 
4,382, 
5, 786, 
4,966, 
6, 662, 



683. 00 
189.00 

278. 00 
976. 00 
523. 00 
525. 00 
530. 00 
390. 00 
711.00 
459. 00 

279. 00 
675. 00 



Value of re- 
pairn and 
additions. 



S;924,368.00 
909,193.00 
929, 400. 00 
611,. 524. 00 
643, 658. 00 
722,319.00 
692, 555. 00 
836, 363. 00 

1,063,0,37.50 
881, 621.. 50 
886, 573. 00 

1,382,927.00 



Many of these additions are practically new buildings, as, for instance, 
the addition to the Raleigh Hotel, etc. 



SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 

The principal dut}' of the sealer of weights and measures is to 
require that all scales, weights, and measures used by storekeepers 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 203 

and others to determine the weig'ht or quantitj^ of goods they buy or 
sell conform with the standard weight or size fixed by law and to affix 
his seal to those that are correct and destroy those that are not. The 
person by whom the scale or measure is used must pay a small fee for 
the service thus performed b}^ this official. The fees so collected are 
paid into the Treasury as part of the Districf^evenues. 

For fees see "Methods of taxation." 

This officer also has iiiifffediate supervision of the commissioners of 
flour, inspectors of wood, lumber, flour, l)oilers, and gaug-er of spirit- 
uous liquors, who receive the fees established by the Commissioners 
for their services in lieu of salaries. 

SUPPLIES. 

The current supplies of the government of the District are pur- 
chased througli a property clerk and a superintendent of property. 
The latter buys the supplies for the engineer department, and the 
former for the other branches of the District government. These 
supplies are furnished under contracts enteied into Avith the lowest 
responsible bidders after due newspaper advertisement, except in cases 
of emergency, when special authority is given to purchase in open 
market. 

INSPECTION AND MEASUREMENT OF FIREWOOD. 

It is contrary to law to sell any firewood brought into the District 
unless it has been inspected and approved by an inspector and meas- 
urer appointed by the Commissioners for that purpose, whose duty it 
is to determine all questions as to the quality of the wood and as to its 
measurement, according to law. The compensation of these officials 
is derived from fees which are paid l)y the person who sells the wood, 
(W. D., 275; L. A., 170.) 

They get no salary from the District government. 

For rate of fees see " Methods of taxation." 

INSPECTION OF FLOUR. 

The Commissioners are required to appoint two inspectors of flour, 
whose duty is to examine all flour sold within the District of Columbia, 
to ascertain whether it conforms in weight to the requirements of law 
and in quality to the standards fixed from time to time by the com- 
missioners of flour inspection. (30 Stats,, 705; 31 Stats., 218.) 

For the rate of fees see "Methods of taxation," 

COMMISSIONERS OF FLOUR INSPECTION, 

The Commissioners appoint three good and competent judges of 
flour who must be either practical millers, l)akers, or flour merchants 
as commissioners of flour inspection, to select standards for the guid- 



204 GOVERNMENT oF THE BTSTRICT OF T'OLITMIMA, 

iinec of the inspectors of tlour. They are entitled to a fee of $5 each 
for each j*ispection on appeal. (oO Stats., TOT.) 

INSPECTION OF (JAS AND (JAS METEKS. 

The Commissioners ap]X)int an inspector and assistant inspector of 
efas and meters, who** paid an annual salai-y as other sahuMes of the 
officers of the Disti'ict o'overnment are p:i,iilj .who must not he a stock- 
holder nor em})l()yee in any o-as works. sC^duty is to test and deter- 
mine the illuminating- power and purit}' of the g-as furnished l)y any 
company or person, and to tost, prove, and seal all meters used by them. 

The assistant inspector must ])C a gas litter by trade (18 Stats.. 278). 

Both give bond in double the amount of their salary. 

The fees of th(> offi(;o must be deposited in the Treasury as other 
revenues. For the rate of such fees see under "Methods of taxation."" 

INSPECTION OF LUMBER. 

All boards, plaid<, joist, scantling, and timber brought to and oll'ered 
for sale in the District, which have not previously been inspected and 
measured and not marked with such measurement by an inspector and 
measurer of luml)er duly a])poinled ])v the C(mmiissioners, must be 
inspected and measured by one ol" thosc^ odicials, of whom there arc 
five, who are entitled to receive for such services a fee of 80 cents per 
1,000 feet B. M., one-half of which shall l)e paid by the Imyer and 
the other half l)y the seller. (W. D., 252, KU. T.. A., 170, 258.) 

INSPECTION OF in>UMBIN(}. 

It is the duty of the inspector of plumbing to recpure all plund)ing, 
drainage, and sewerage work in connection with private premises to 
be done in accordance with the plumbing regulations. (27 Stats., 21.) 

lie shall inspect, or caus(^ to be inspected by his assistants, all houses 
when in course of erection in said District to sec that the })luinbing, 
drainage, and ventilation of sewers thereof conform to the regulations. 
Also, at any time during reasonal)le hours, on ap])lication of the owner 
or occupant, or the com])laint under oath of any respectable citizen, to 
inspect, or cause to be inspected, any house in said District, and to 
examine the pluml)ing, drainage, and ventilation of sewers thereof. 

It is also his duty to examine and pass upon all plans and specitica- 
tions filed in his office ft)r proposed ])lumbing work and house drainage 
under the plumbing regulations. 

He also examines and considers, in connection with the health office, 
:i!l plans for sewage disposal by means of broad irrigation or su])soil 
iri-igation. 

PLUMBING BOARD. 

The phmibing board consists of two master phunbers, one joui'ney- 
man plumber, and two employees of the District of Columbia having 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTEICT OF COLUMBIA. 205 

a knowlodoc of plumbing-, gasfitting, and sanitary work, all appointed 
hy the Conniiissioners. A majority of said board is a quorum. (30 
Stats., 477.) * 

It is the duty of the plumbing- board to examine all applicants for 
license as master phnnbers or gas fitters and to report the results of 
examinations to said Commissioners, who issue a license to the appli- 
cant if satisfied that he is duly qualified. For fees see ''Methods of 
taxation." 

HAY SCALES. 

Public weighing- scales are located at several places in the District 
where it is convenient for farmers who bring hay to market in wagons 
to have each load weighed and obtain a certificate from a public weigh- 
master showing its weight, which nmst be done before the hay can be 
sold. (L. A., 367.) 

The weighmaster is not appointed like other ofiicers of the District, 
but is a person who has bought at a public auction sale, which is held 
each year about the 1st of July, the right to use the pul)lic scales for 
one year and exact from persons whose produce or animals he weighs 
the fees prescribed by law for his services, for rates of which see 
schedule of fees under heading "Methods of taxation." 

PUBLIC MARKETS. 

Three markets in the District are under the control of the District 
authorities. One of them, at Seventh and C streets SE., is named 
the " Eastern Market" (L. A., 141, 375, 405); one at Twenty-first and 
K streets NW., the "Western Market" (L. A., 217), and one in 
Georgetown, called the "Georgetown Market" (Acts of Georgetown, 
August 8, 1863). 

The receipts from these markets during the fiscal year ended June 
30, 1902, Avere $9,923.85, and the authorized expenditures were $7,230, 
including $2,250 for repairs. 

CORONER. 

It is the duty of the coroner to hold an inipiest over auy dead per- 
son where the manner and cause of death are not known to be acci- 
dental or in the course of nature and to report to the grand jury the 
facts ascertained at inquests in all cases where the circumstances seem 
to recpiire judicial investigation. (L. A., 174, 248, 292.) (21 Stats., 
461.) 

His duties in case of absence or disability are performed by a deputy 
coroner. (28 Stats., 488.) 

The total number of deaths investigated b}' the coroner during the 
liscal year 1902 was 865, of which 218 were from accidents and other 
forms of v^iolence. 



206 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

JUDICIARY. 

The judiciai-v of the District of Columbiu consists of a court of 
api)eals, a supreme court, a police court, justices of the peace, and a 
nuruhci- of United States coniniissioners. 

The court of appeals of the District of Oolum])ia consists of a chief 
justice and two associate justices. The compensation of the chief jus- 
tice is |r),r)0() per annum and that of the associate justices $6,000 per 
annum each. 

The members of this court are appointed by the President and con- 
firmed by the Senate, and hold office during good behavior. 

The jurisdiction of tliis court extends to the review of the final 
orders and judgments of the supreme court of the District, and from 
such of its interlocutory orders as the court of ap})eals may allow in 
the interest of justice. It also has jurisdiction in cases of suits and 
conti'oversies in law and equity arising under the patent or copyright 
laws, and damages for the infringement of any patent ]>y action on the 
case in accordance with sections 4919, 4920, 4921, chapter 1, Title LX, 
llevised Statutes of the United States. Any part}' aggrieved b}' the 
decision of the Connnissioner of Patents in any interference case may 
appeal therefrom to the court of appeals. 

An appeal lies from the final judgment or decree of the court of 
appeals to the Supreme Court of the United States in all cases in 
which the matter in dispute exceeds $5,000, and also without regard 
to the sum in dispute wherein is involved the validity of any patent 
or co[)V right, or in which is drawn in question the validity of any 
statute of or an authorit}' exercised under the United States. 

The supreme court of the Disti'ict of Columbia consists of one chief 
justice, with five associate justices, whose compensation is $5,000 per 
annum each. The members of this court are appointed l)y the Presi- 
dent of the United States and confirmed by the Senate, and hold office 
during good behavior. This court is a court of general jurisdiction, 
and it also has the same powers and exercises the same jurisdiction as 
the circuit courts of the United States. It has cognizance of all crimes 
and ofi'enses conunitted within the District, and of all cases in law and 
eipiity between parties, ])oth or either of whom shall be resident or be 
found within the District, and also of all actions or suits of a civil 
nature at common law or in equity in which the United States shall be 
plaintifl' or complainant, and of all seizures on land or on water, and 
of all penalties and forfeitures arising or accruing under the laws of 
the United States. It is invested with jurisdiction to issue writs of 
mandamus to executive officers of the Federal and nuniicipal govern- 
ments; it has also appellate jurisdiction over justices of the peace. It 
has jurisdiction of all apjAications for divorce, and may entertain 
petitions for change of name; and it has concurrent jurisdiction with 



(iOVKRNMENT OF THK DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA?. 207 

justices of the peace when the amount in controversy exceeds $50 
and is less than $300. Appeals lie from this court to the court of 
appeals. It is divided into a circuit court, an equity court, !i district 
court, a criminal court, and a probate court. 

The police court consists of two judges, whose compensation is 
$3,000 per annum each. They are appointed ])y the President of the 
United States for a term of six 3'ears. The jurisdiction of the court 
extends to the disposition of cases involving- minor offenses against the 
criminal laws and the holding of persons brought ))efore it for the 
action of the grand jury. Appeals lie from this court to the court of 
appeals. 

Justices of the peace are appointed by the President of the United 
States and contirmcd I)y the Senate for a term of four j^eai's. They 
have civil jurisdiction in cases involving an amount less than $300 and 
in landlord and tenant cases. They have no criminal jurisdiction. 
Appeals lie from them to the supreme court of the District. 

The United States conunissioners are appointed by the supreme 
court of the District. They are essentially examining magistrates, 
who conduct investigations into alleged violation of United States laws 
and decide whether parties appearing liefore them shall bo brought 
before the grand jury. 

STATUTE LIMITATIONS. 

The statute limitations are: Regarding judgments, twelve years; 
notes, three years, and open accounts, three years. 

LEGAL RATE OF INTEREST. 

The legal rate of interest in the District is per cent per annum 
where no rate is specified, but contracts may be made for an}- rate not 
exceeding 10 per cent per annum. The rate of interest on judgments 
against the District of Columbia is 4 per centum (act July 1, 1902). 

THE LAW IN FORCE IN THE DISTRICT. 

The laws of the District have been derived from many sources. 
The law of Maryland, when that State gave to the United States the 
present territory comprising the District, was composed of the com- 
mon law of England, the acts of the British Parliament found ai)pli- 
cal)le to the condition of the people, and the enactments of the provin- 
cial and State legislatut^es of Marjdand. This law was continued in 
force in the District of Cohmibia by an act of Congress of February 
27, 1801. It has been modified b}^ subsequent laws of Congress, the 
numerous laws and ordinances of the municipal corporations which 
have existed in the District; by the orders made by the Conmiissioners 
in pursuance of the acts of Congress granting to them the power to 



208 GOVEKNMENT OF THE DISTEICT OF COLUMBIA, 

make police and other municipal regulations, and recently by a code 
of law which Cong-ress enacted to simplify and systematically arrange 
the principal laws and methods of court procedure. 

MILITIA. 

The militia of the District is organized under an act of Congress 
approved March 1, 1899. (25 Stats., 772.) This law^ requires that 
every male citizen of the District of Columbia of the age of 18 and 
under the age of 45 shall be enrolled, except numicipal and judicial 
officers, officers and ex-officers of the United States Army and Navy, 
officers who have served for live 3a^ars in the militia of the District or 
of any State of the United States, ministers of religion, practicing 
phj^sicians, railroad conductors and engineers, policemen, hremen, 
idiots, lunatics, drunkards, paupers, and persons convicted of infamous 
crimes, except as it may be modified l)y the act of Congress approved 
January 21, 1903, entitled "An act to promote the efficiency of the 
militia, and for other purposes."" 

RELIGION. 

The tirst amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which 
provides that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establish- 
ment of religion or prohibiting the free exei'cise thereof," precludes 
legislation on thtit subject in the District of Columbia, in view of the 
fact that Congress exercises exclusi\x legislatixe authority at the seat 
of government. 

SEAL. 

The seal of the District of Columbia was adopted by the act of the 
legislative assemblv, as folloAVs: 

AN ACT adopting " seal I'or tlu' Distrirl of ('i»hniil)iii. 

Be it enacted by the leyidative ctssonldi/ of the Dixiriel of Cul.ninbio, Thut tlie following 
design be, and the same hereby in, adopted for tlu^ seal of the Dintrict of Colundna. 
[Here follows design.] 

Sec. 2. And be it further oiactnl, That the Secretary of the District shall have the 
ofheial charge and custody of said seal. 

Sec. 3. And beit further enacted, That the use of said design, as the seal of the Dis- 
trict, by the executive department of the District government is herel)y approved 
and legalized. 

Sec. 4. And l>e it further enacted, That in view of the enuvrgency arising from the 
necessity for and use of the seal of the District, this act shall go into effect imme- 
diately npon its i)assage. 

Approved August 8, 1871. 

This act was passed in pursuance of the authority granted to said 
assembly by "an act to provide a government for the District of 
Columbia, ""^app roved February 21, 1871 (16 Statutes, 419). The office 
of the secretary of the District of Columbia, in whose custody the seal 



GOVEENMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 



209 



was placed b}^ that act, was abolished by the act of June 20, 18Y4, and 
the seal has since been used by the secretary to the Board of Com- 
missioners of the District of Columbia as the representative of said 
board. The legend on the scroll on this seal is " Justitia Omnibus;" 
the date in the wreath, "ISTl," and the word on the book on the arm 
of the female ligure is "Constitution," in three lines of four letters 
each. 

Ll^f of the principal municipal authorities of tlie cities of Washbtglonatid Georgetown and 

of the District of Coliunhla. 



Name. 


Period. 




Name. 


Period. 


COMMISSIONERS TO LAY OUT 1 
THE CITY OF AVASHINGTON. | 

Thomas Johnson, Maryland 


MAYORS OF THE CITY OF 

GEORGETOWN— continued. 
Thomas Corcoran 


1805 to 1806, and 


Daniel Carroll, Maryland 


r>ayid Wiley 


1808 to 1311, 


L»avid Stuart, Virginia 


and 1812 to 


Gustayas Scott, Maryland 


1813, and 1818 


Wm Tlionitoii P(*nnsvlyaniiL 


to 1819. 


AloxandtT Whito Mjirvlainl 


1811 to 1812. 


William Crancli, Maryland 


.John Peter 


1813 to 1818, and 


Tristam Dalton, Maryland 




Henry Foxall 

John Cox 


1821 to 1822. 


MAYORS OF THE CITY OF W.\SH- 


June, 1802, to 

June, 1812. 
June, 1812, to 

June, 1813. 
June, 1813, to 

June, 1817. 
June, 1817, to 

June, 1819. 
June, 1819, to 

June, 1822, and 

June, 1824, to 

Sept. 30, 1824. 
June, 1822, to 

June, 1824. 
Oct. 4, 1824, to 

July 31, 1827. 
July 31, 1827, to 

June, 1830. 
June, 1830, to 

June, 1834. 
June, 1834, to 

June, 18.36. 
June, 1836, to 

June, 1840. 
June, 1840, to 

June, 18.50. 
June, 1850, to 

June, 1852. 
June, 1852, to 

June, 1854. 
June, 1854, to 

June, 1856. 
June, 18.56, to 

June, 1858. 
June, 1858, to 

Aug. 24, 1861. 
Aug. 26, 1861, to 

June, 1868. 
June, 1868, to 

June, 1870. 
June, 1870, to 

June, 1871. 

1789 10 1798. 
1798 to 1803. 
1803 to 1805, and 
1806 to 1808. 


1819 to 1.821. 
1822 to 1845. 


INGTON. 


Henry Addison 


1845 to 1857, and 


Robert Brent 


Richard R. Crawford 

Charles B. Welch 

Henry M . Sweeney 


1859 to 1867. 
18.57 to 1859. 


Daniel Rapine 


1867 to 1869. 
1869 to 1871. 


James H. Blake 


GOVERNORS OF THE DISTRICT 
AND E.X OFFICIO PRESIDENTS 
OF THE BOARD CiF I'lIBLIC 
WORKS. 

Henry D. Cooke . . 




Benjamin G. Orr 

Samuel N. Smullwood 


Feb. 28, 1871, to 


Thomas Carberry 

Roger C. Weightinaii 


Alexander Robey Shepherd ... 

DEI.EGATK TO CONGRESS. 

Norton P. Chipman 

SECRETARIES. 

Norton P. Chipman 

Edwin L.Stanton 

Richard Harrington 


Sept. 13, 1873. 

Sept. 13, 1873, to 

June 20, 1874. 


Joseph Gales, jr 

^ohn 1'. Van Ness 

William A. Bradley 

Peter Force 

William W. Seatou 


Apr. 21, 1871, to 
Mar. 4, 1875. 

Mar. 2, 1871, to 
Apr. 21, 1871. 

May 19, 1871, to 
Sept. 22, 1873. 

Sept. 22,^78, to 
June 20, 1874. 


Walter Lenox 


BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS. 

Henry D. Cooke 

Alexander Robey Shepherd . . . 

S. P. Brown 


John W. Maury 

John T. To\vers 


While governor. 
Mar. 16, 1871, to 

Sept. 13, 1873. 
Mar. 16, 1871, to 




William B. Magruder 


A. B. Mullett 


Kei.t. 13, 1873. 
Mar. 16, 1871, to 


James G. Berret 


James A. ^lagruder _ 


June 2, 1873. 
Mar. 16, 1871, to 


Richard Wallach 

Sayles J. Bowen. 

Matthew G. Emery 


Adolph Cluss 

Henry A. Willar<l 

John B. Blake 


June 20, 1874 
Jan. 2, 1873, to 

June 20, 1874. 
May 22, 1873, to 

June 20, 1874. 
Sept. 13, 1873, to 

June 20, 1874. 

Mar. 15, 1871, to 


MAYORS OF THE CITY OF 
GEORGETOWN. 

Robert Peter 


BOARD OF 11 KA ITII. 

N.R.Lincoln 


Lloyd Beall 


T.S.Verdi. .. 


Mar. 22, 1871. 


Daniel Rentzel 


Mar. 15, 1871 to 






July 1, 1878. 



14248—03- 



-14 



210 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 



Lid (if iJtc j)r'ntcip((l viiniicijxil (Uiihorillrx of thr citirx of Wa,^Iil)itj/un hikI (Jeorgcloun and 

of the District of Columbia — Continued. 



Name. 


Period. 


Name. 


r-ri d. 


IIOAIU) OF HE.VLTII— Cdllt'cl. 




{'OMMI.SSION'ERS OF THE DISTItlCT 
OF col, I'M HI. \ — eoutiiuied. 




II..\.Willar<l 


Mar. 15, 1871; de- 
clined ap- 


I'cniiaiK lit fiiriii of ijiiviriiiiu iil — 










l)ointmenl. 


Coutinue<l. 




Jolin M. Liingstoii 


Mar. 15, l.STl, to 


\ 






Nov.ld, 1S77. 


'• ("apt. Willi:nn Trent Rosse'.l ... 


Oct. 15, 1891, to 


Jdlui Marhury, jr 


Mar. IT), 1871. to 




Mav 8, 1893. 




Julv 1,1878. 


Myron Melville I'arker 


Feb. 20, 1893, to 


D.AVillanl Bliss 


May 'j;?, 1872, to 
Jnlv 1,1878. 


Maj. Cbarh'S Fr;ineis I'owell... 


Mar. 9. 1891. 




Mav 8, 1893, to 


R(il)ert B. Warden 


Nov. 10, 1877, to 




Mar. 1, 1897. 




July 1,1878. 


George Truesilell 


Mar. 10, 1894, to 


Christopher C. Co.x 


Apr. 3, 1871, to 




Mav 7, 1897. 




July 1,1878. 


('apt. William Murray lUaek... 


Mar. "2, 1897, to 


roMMISSIONEKS OF THE I'lS- 






Mav 31, 1898. 


TRICT OF rOH'MBIA. 




John Brewer Wight 


May 8, 1897, to 
Mav 8, 1900. 


Ti Dijxirari/ i/(ir<niiin til. 




Henry lirowu Khiyd Maefar 

laud. 
Capt. Lansing lloskins Beach.. 


May 9, 1900. 


William Ueiiiiisdii 


Jidv 1, 1871, to 


June 1, 1898, to 




Jidv 1,1878. 




Nov. 1, 1901. 


llein\\ '1'. ISldW 


July "l. 1874,' to 
Dec. :;i, 1874. 


Col. .lobn liiddle 


Nov. 1, 1901. 


.John 1 (, Ki'tchaiii 


Julv 3, 1874, to 
jinieoO, 1877. 


Henry Litchlield \Vest 


()ct. 1«;, 1902. 








Seth I.cilyanl I'lielps 


Jan. 18, ],S75, to 


ASSISTANTS TO EN(;INEK1; CiiNI- 






.Iune30, 1878. 


MISSIONEKS. 




Tlioiiias li. IJryaii, snceeeded 


Dec. 3, 1877, to 






Kelehani. 


Julv 1,1878. 
Julv 2, 1S74, to 


('.apt. R. L. Iloxie 


July 21, 1878, to 
Aug. 1, 1884. 


('apt. liichanl 1,. lloxii', engi- 




lu'cr to tlie Boanl of Coin- 


July 1, 1878. 


Capt. V. y . Greene 


INIav 2, 1879, to 


nii>^siniiers. 






Mar. 3, 1885. 


\\'illiaiii TiiKlall, seerotary to 




Lieut. C. McD. Townsend 


Aug. 1, 1884, to 


tlie l)oai'(l. 






Mar. C, 1880. 


Tlie hiw made no provision 




Cai)l. F. A. Mahau 


Mar. 25, 1885, to 


I'ora piX'sidi'Kt to (his board of 






May 27, ]88(i. 


temporary Commissioners, and 




Capt. Eugene (irillin 


May 27, issc, to 


none was ever eleeted, Imt 






Mar. 0, 1888. 


Commissioner Dennison acted 




Capt.Thos. W. Symous 


June 6, 1886, to 


in tliat capacity at all hoard 




Nov. 1, 1889. 


sessions when he was jm'sent. 




Capt. S. S. Leach 


Mar. (■), 1888, to 




June 2, 1888. 


Pvrinnnciilfiirm a/ iiDVcrninnil. 




Capt.J.L. Lnsk 


June 2, 1888, to 
Mar. 1, 1893. 


Josiah Dt'Ut 


July 1, 1878, to 
Julv 17, 1882. 


Capt. Wm. T. Rossell 


Nov. 1, LS89, un- 






til detailed as 


Seth L('<l\'ard I'helps 


Julv 1, 1878, to 
Nov. 29, 1879. 




a Commis- 




sioner, Di.s- 


Maj. William. Johnson 'l^wlnins,'. 


June 29, 1878, to 




trict of Co- 




May 5, 1882. 




lumbia, Oct. 


Thomas I'hillips Morgan 


Nov. 29, 1879, to 




15, 1891. 




Mar 8, 1883. 


Cai)t. Gustav J. Fiebeger 


Oct. 31, 1891, to 


Maj. Garrett J. Lydecker 


May n, 1882, to 




Mav 27, 1890. 




Apr. 1, 188(1. 


Capt. George McC. Derby 


Mar. "l, 1893, to 


.Josepli*!!* Rodman West 


Julv 17, 1882, to 


Cant. Ed wanf Burr 


Oct. 8, 1894. 




Jiilv 22, 1885. 
Mar. 3, 1883, to 


Oct. 9, 1894, to 


James Barker Edmonds 




Apr. 28, 1898. 




Apr. 1, 1886. 


Capt. Lansing IL Beach 


Oct. 30, 1894, un- 


William Kenning Webb 


July 22, 1.S85, to 




til detaile<l as 




May 21, 1889. 




a Commis- 


Samuel Edwin Wheatley 


Apr. 1, 18,sf), to 




sioner, Di.s- 




Mav 21, 1889. 




triet of Co- 


Ctil. William Ludlnw 


Ajir. 1, 1880, to 




lumbia, June 




Jan. 27, 1888. 




1, 1898. 


Maj. Charles Walker liaymond. 


Jan. 27, 1SS8. to 


Capt. William F. Crai.yhill 


Fob. 28, 1899, to 




Eeb. 3, 1890. 




.Sept. 15, 1899. 


.bilui Watkinson Doviglass 


Mav 21, 1889, to 


Capt. David Dn B. (iaill.ard 


Julv 21. 1899, to 




Feb. 28, 1893. 




Mar. 6, 1901. 


Lemon Gal pin Iline 


Mav 21, 1889, to 

Sept. 30, 1890. 
Feb. 14, 1890, to 


Capt. H. ('. Newcomer 


Dec. 27, 1899. 




Capt. Chester Harding 


Apr. 16, 1901. 


Lieut. Col. Henrv Marlvn 




Robert. 


Oct. 14, 1891. 


secketai;y to tue i>.oakd. 




John Wesley Ross 


Oct. 1, 1890, to 


William Tindall 


From July 1, 

1878. 




Julv 29, 1902. 





GOVEKNMENT Ob" TlIK DISTKICT OF COLUMBIA. till 

OKGANIZATIOX OK HOAKDS OF COMMISSIONERS UNDER ACT OF JUNE 11, 1878. 

First Board. — Seth Ledyard Phelps, nonpartisan, president; Josiah Dent, Demo- 
crat; l\Iaj. William Johnson Twinint;-. From Jnly 1, 1878, to November 29, 1879. 

Second Hoard. — Josiah Dent, jiresident; Thomas riiillips Morgan, Repnblican; 
Maj. William Johnson Twining. From November 29, 1879, to May 13, 1882. Major 
Twining died May 5, 1882. 

Third Board. — Josiali Dent, president; Thomas Phillips JNIorgan, ^laj. (iarret J 
(initial only) Lydecker. From May lo, 1882, to July 17, 1882. No reelection of the 
president of the Board. 

Fourth Board. — Joseph Rodman ^^'est, Republican, president; Thomas Phillips 
Morgan, Maj. Garret J Lydecker. From July 17, 1882, to INIarch 8, 188:^. 

Fifth Board. — Josei)h Rodman West, president to March 29, 1883; James Barker 
Edmonds, Democrat; Maj. (iarret .1 hydecker. James Barker Edmonds president 
from March 29, 1883; Joseph Rotlman West, INIaj. Garret J Lydecker. From March 
8, 1883, to July 22, 1885. No reelection of president of the Board. 

Si.vfli ]>oard. — James Barker Edmonds, invsident; William Benning WcJ>b, Repnb- 
lican; 'Sid'], (iarret J Lj'decker. From Jnly 22, 1885, to April 1, 188(>. President of 
the Board reelected. 

Screnth Board. — William lU'nning Webb, president; Samuel ImIwIu Wheatley, 
Democrat; Col. William Ludlow. From April 1, 1886, to January 27, 1888. 

Eiijhth Board. — William Benning Webb, president; Samuel Edwin Wheatley, Maj. 
Charles Walker Raymond. January 27, 1888, to May 21, 1889. No reelection of 
president of the Board. 

Niid}i Board. — John Watkinson Douglass, Repnblican, pi'csident; Tvcmon Galpin 
Hiiie, Democrat; INIaj. Charles Walkc Raymond. From May 21, 1889, to February 
14, 1890. 

Teidh Board. — John Watkinson Douglass, ju'esident; Lemon (iali)in Uine, Lieut. 
Col. Henry Martyn Robert. From February 14, 1890, to October 1, 1890. President 
reelected. 

Elercnth J>o((rd. — John Watkinson Douglass, president; John AVesley Ross, Demo- 
crat; Lieut. Col. Henry JMartyn Robert. From October 1, 1890, to October 15, 1891. 
No reelection of president of the Board. 

Twelfth Jioard. — John Watkinson Douglass, president; John Wesley Ross, Capt. 
William Trent Rossell. From October 15, 1891, to March 1, 1893. Presidi-nt of the 
Board reelected. 

Thirteenth Board. — John Wesley Ross, president; Myron Mellville I'arker, Repub- 
lican; Capt. William Trent Rossell. From INIarch 1, 1893, to May 8, 1893. 

Fourteenth Board. — John Wesley Ross, president; Myron Mellville Parker,* Capt. 
Charles Francis Powell. From May 8, 1893, to March 10, 1894. No reelection of 
president of the Board. 

Fifteenth Board. — John Wesley Ross, president; George Truesdell, Repul)licau; 
Capt. Charles Francis Powell. From March 10, 1894, to Man-h 2, 1897. Pri'sidi'iit 
of the Board reelected. 

Si.vteent}i Board. — John Wesley Ross, president; George Truesdell, Cajit. William 
Murray lUack. From March 2, 1897, to May 8, 1897. No reelection of president of 
(he Board. 

Seventeenth Board.— .JioUn \\'esley Ross, president; John Brewer Wight, Republican; 
Capt. William Murray Black. From INIay 8, 1897, to June 1, 1898. The last Board 
meeting at wliich Commissioner Black was present was held on May 2(5, 1898. Capt. 
Lansing 11. Beach acted in his stead from that date until June 1, 1898. President 
cf the Board reelected. 

F/ajhteeuth Board. — John Brewer Wight, president; John Wesley Ross, Capt. Lan- 
siug Iloskins Beach. From June 1, 1898, to May 9, 1900. 



212 GOVERNMENT ()E THE DISTlilCT Ob' COLUMBIA. 

Nmelaidli Buard. — Heiiiy J')rown Floyd Macfarland, Republican, iireisidi-iit; John 
Wesley Ross, Capt. Lansing Hoskins Beach. Froui IMay 9, 1900, to October 31, 1901. 

Tirenlieth Board. — Henry Brown Floyd Macfarland, president; John "Wesley Ross, 
Maj. Jtihn Biddle. From November 1, 1901, to July 29, 1902, on which date Com- 
missioner Ross died. President of the Board reelected. 

Tiiriilij-fvnt Board. — Henry Brown Floyd jMacfarland, jJU'sideut; Henry Litchlield 
West, Democrat; Col. John Biddle. From October 16, 1902. Bresi.lent of the Board 
reelected. 

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

(Oilices, 4(11 Ijouisiaiia avriiue.) 

Commissioners. — Heniy B. F. ^lacfarland, Heni-y L. AVest, Maj. Jolni lUddle. 
Assistants to engineer coinmiKsiaiier. — Capt. H. C. Newcomer, Cajit. Chester Harding. 
Secretary to tlie Board. — AYilliam Tindall. 

Private secretaries to (hmmissloiiers. — Waldo C. Hibbs, Louis C.Wilson, IMoncnre 
Burke. 

Assistant secretanj. — ^^'il^aln F. JNIeyers. 

DISTRICT OFl-HCKKS. 

.I.s,sy,s,s(;;'. — Hopewell 11. Harneille. 

Jloard uf assistant as.ses.-:ors of real exlate mul e.rci.'<e lioard. — ^lathew Triinhle, Samuel 
T. G. Morsell, Is. W. W. (Jrithn. 

Buard of assistant assessors of ])erso)i(d, jn-onerty. — Alex. IMcKenzie, Franc-is Nye. 

AxKistant assessors. — 8. T. Kalbfus, Win. I). Montague, T. Fred. Alvey. 

.iadilor.—J. T. Petty. 

Ih'putii auditor. — Alonzo Tweedale. 

Hoard e)f education. — Henry V. lioyntoii, president; (<eorg(» H. Harries, vice-presi- 
dent; J. Holdsworth (lordon, Richard Kingsman, JMrs. Henry \j. West, James F. 
i'undy, ]\Irs. John R. Francis; A. T. Stuart, su])eiiiitendent; WaUer F. Rodrick, 
scc-retary. 

Hoard of Cliarities. — S. W. AV^oodward, president; ('has. 1'. Xeiil, A'ice-president; 
(ieo. W. Cook, John Joy Edson, Simon Wolf; (Jeo. S. Wilson, sec^retary. 

Jloai-d of Childreii.\s G'nardians. — J. P>. T. Tuj>i)er, president; John F. Cook, vice- 
president; Mrs. Eliza A. Babson, Miss Alary Ella Moore, Mrs. Mary L. J). Alacfarland, 
Will. J. Miller, Thos. E. Sewell, Rev. Louis Stern; B. Pickman Mann, secretary. 

Board of trustees of Boys' Reform School. — Cecil Clay, president; James E. Fitch, 
Crosby S. Noyes, S. AV. Curi-idcn, AVilliam AL Sinister, Henry F. Blount, George 
Truesdell, LI. B. F. Alacfarlaiid, W. P. Dillingliam, J.' J. Jenkins; J. C. Kalleen, 
superintendent. 

lioard of trustees if Paform School for (urls. — Frank Strong, president; Chapin 
r.iown. Airs. W. W. Uockliill, Fairfax Harrison, J. Wesley Bovee, Maude K. Wet- 
more, Walter V. R. Berry, Mrs. Ward Thoron, Alexander C. Caine. 

Board of trustees of Industrial Home School. — J. Ormond AVilson, president; Bernard 
T. Janney, vice-pnssident; INIrs. Huldah A\'. Plackford, secretary; Mrs. Lncie E. 
I Mount, Clarence B. Rheem, AVilliam B. Gurley, James B. Nourse, Mrs. Emily L. 
Nourse, J. B. T. Tupper. 

Board of trustees of Carnegie Library. — Theodore AV. Noyes, president; Brainerd H. 
Warner, vice-president; Charles J. Bell, Rufus II. Thayer, Samuel A^^ AA^oodward, 
John B. Earner, Ainsworth R. Spofford, James T. DuBois, R. Ross Perry; AVeston 
Flint, librarian, secretary, and treasurer. 

Commissioners of pharmacy.— Frank C. Henry, D. C, president; Harry A. Johnston, 
Murray Gait Motter, Fred T. Hafelfinger, Francis P. Morgan, M. D. 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 213 

Board of dcutm examiners. -K. Jerome. Allen, iirusident; C. \V. Apjilei-, ^\ . E. 
Diefenderfer, Mark F. Finley, John H. London. 

Board of viedical examiners.— John S. McLain, president; George N. Acker, Joseph 
T. Johnson, George C. Ober, Charles V. Purvis. 

Board of homeopathic medical examiners. ~J. B. G. Custis, president; Z. B. Buhbitt 
William R. King, T. L. McDonald, S. S. Stearns. 

Board of eclectic medical examiner.^. — Elbert G. Benson, presidenl; E. J. Collins 
Thomas Robinson, M. L. Jiilihn, R. R. Roberts. 

Board of medical supervisori<.—J . B. (i. Custis, J. S. McLain, Elbert G. Jlenson, L. C. 
Williamson, B. F. Leighton, William C. Woodward, health officer, secretary. 

ChemiM and impector of a.9p]ialt and cement. — A. AV. Dov.-. 

Collector of taxes. — E. G. Davis. 

Dejmty collector. — C. W. Collins. 

Coroner. — Dr. Ramsey Nevitt. 

Corporation coiDisel. — A. B. Duvull. 

Assistant corporation counsel.— Edw. II. Thomas, James J.. Bugli, jr., Arthur H. 
O'Connor, A. Leftwich Sinclair. 

Computing engineer. — C. B. Hunt. 
Dishursing officer — Charles C. Rogers. 
Electrical engineer. — AV. C. Allen. 

Engineer department. — Chief clerk, .\biier Y. I.akenau. 
Engineer of bridges. — W. J. Douglas. 
Engineer in charge of street e.i:tension.—\\v.\. P. Uicluirdir. 

Hour inspection, conmmsioners of. — The (i. J. Slayer, Cieorge W. CIski 1, B. B. Earn- 
shaw. 

Ilealili o/7?cer.— William C. Woodward, ]\r. D. 
Harbor master. — J. R. Sutton. 
Inspector of boilers.— E. F. Vermillion. 
Inspector of buildings.— Snowden Ash ford. 
Insiiecior of fuel. — John C. Howard. 
Inspector of gas and meters. — Elmer G. Runyan. 
Inspector of jilumhing. — IL B. Davis. 
Insurance, superintendent of. — Thomas E. Drake. 

IntendanI of Washington Asi/lum.—W. 11. Stoutciibnrt^li; visiting physician, [). 
Percy Ilickling. 
Permit clerk. — II. M. Woodward. 
Property cleric— E. O. Beckett. 

Seeder ofweiglils and measures. — William C. Haskell. 
Superintendent of property.— II. D. Simms. 
Superintendent o/j>arA;m</. —Trucman Lanhain. 
Superintendent of sewers. — David E. McComb. 
Superintendent of roads. — IMorris Hacker. 
Svperinlendent of streets. — H. N. IMoss. 

Siqjerintendent of street and alley cleaning.— Vv'arnvv Stutler. 
Superintendent of water deparlment.—W . A. McFarland. 
Surveyor. — Henry B. Looker. 
Veterinary surgeon. — C. B. Robinson. 
Water registrar. — George F. Green. 
Major and superintendent o//;oZt(r.— Richard Syhcster. 
Chief, also property clerk. — J. Arthur Kemj). 

Police surgeons.— Br. F. P. Vale, Dr. V:. T. Burcli, Dr. J. S. Wall, Dr. C. C. Marhury. 
Sanitary officer. — J. A. Frank. 
Hack inspector. — A. R. Lainb. 



214 



OOVERNMENT OK THK DISTP.irT OF COLUMBIA. 



Inspector of pharmacy. — C. W. Proctoi'. 

Detective ]iea(hjiiarters. — Capt. R. H. Boardinan. 

Captains. — Isaac Pearson, F. E. Cross, Harry L. Ciessl'ord, .lames Iv lli'fliuT. 

Chief engineer fre department. — Robert W. Dutton. 

Fire inarslial. — Sidney Bieber. 

roLicK coriiT. 

(Sixth :incl D slroots.) 

Ju<lge.«.—Char}esF. Seoll, I. (\. Kimball. 

C/e/7.-.— Jose])]) Y. Potts. 

Depnty. — Josej)!! I hirpcr. 

Deputy United Stales iiiarsh(d. — J. R. J./a(H>y. 

ASSKiNMENT OF DUTIES PETWFKN COMMIHSTONERS. 

COMMISSIOXKK lM.\('F.\KLAN'n. 



Anatomical board. 
P>oil('rs, inspection of. 
Cliarities, except Wasliint^'ton Asylum. 
Coal, inspection of. 

Columbia Hospital, appointment of trus- 
tees. 
Coroner. 

Dental examiners. 
Prntrt^ists to tlie poor, 
pjlectrical dejwirtn lent. 
Excise board. 
Fire department. 
Fisli wharf. 
Flour, inspection of. 
Food, ins])(M't-ion of. 
(las and meti'rs, inspector of. 
Harbor master. 
Flay sc^ales. 
H(>altb oflico. 
Insane. 
Insurance, sui)erintendent of. 



Liquor licenses. 

J.,umber, inspection of. 

Rlarkels. 

Aledical supervisors and examint'rs. 

Mnnici])al buildin<i. 

.Municipal lodi^in;^ bouse. 

Paupers. 

I'hysicians to the poor. 

Pharmacy, connnissioners of. 

Poundmaster. 

Public schools. 

Reform School for J'>oys, ex (jtlii'io trustee 
of. 

Rock Creek Park, board of control, presi- 
dent. 

Sealer of weights and measures. 

Sch(tols. 

Steam engineers, l)oard of examini^rs. 

Veterinary surgeon. 

Wood, inspection of. 

All business not otherwise" assigned. 



Commissioner l'>ii)ni,K. 



Aspbalts and cements. 

P>ridges. 

P>uildings, inspector of. 

Computing engineer. 

Conduits. 

C( )ntra(!ts. 

Elevators. 

Fire escapes. 

Highway extension. 

Parking. 

Pavements. 

Permit clerk. 

Plumbing. 

Property, superintendent of. 



River front. 

Roads. 

Rock Creek Park Conunissiou. 

Sewers. 

Sidewalks. 

Stables, engineer department. 

Street railways. 

Streets. 

Subdivisions. 

Superintendent of property. 

Surveyor. 

Trees. 

Water department. 

Wharves, construction and renting of. 



GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 



215 



COMMIHHIONEK WesT. 



Aslu's, {garbage, etc. 

AssesKinonts. 

Awsessor. 

AsHistant assessors. 

Attorney (corporation connscl). 

Auditor. 

Ilalliiiij^ hcacli. 

(HainiH aj^ainst J)istrict of Cohnnl)ia. 

C(»hnn))ia IIosi)itaI, ex oilicio trnstcc of. 

Collector of taxes. 

Corporation counsel. 

Disl)ursin<;f ofiicer. 

Dog tags. 

Garbage, ashes, etc 

Ganger and inspector of s])irituoUHli({ii()r.«. 



Hacks and hack stands. 

Library, free pnl)]ic. 

Licenses, ex(;ept li(iuor. 

Police department. 

Property c-h^rk. 

Public library. 

Refuse, ashes, etc. 

Special assessments. 

Street and alley cleaning. 

Surgeons, polici; and fire departments. 

Taxes. 

Washington Asylum. 

Water-main assessments. 

Workhouse. 



I 



I]SrT;EX 



Alexandria Connty: Page. 

Created 14 

Retrocession of, to Virginia 14 

Aliens, ownership of land in the 1 Hstiict l)y 16 

Alleys in the city of Washington 25 

Alleys and minor streets, opening, widening of, etc 153 

Area of the city of Washington 19 

Area of the District of Columbia 5 

Assessments: 

For cleaning of offensive cesspools .• 157 

Of steam railroads for street lighting, etc 157 

For cost of erection of fire escapes 1 57 

For removing snow, ice, etc 157 

For paving streets adjacent to tracks 158 

Of personal property 158 

Of real property 144 

For sidewalks, sewers, and cnrbing 151, 152 

For house connections 1 52, 157 

For water mains 154 

For removing dangerous structures, etc ". 156 

For removal of weeds 1 56 

For drainage of lots 156 

Of railroad companies for special policemen at crossings 157 

Assessor and assistant assessors: 

Duties of 144 

Salary of 144 

Appointment of 144 

Constitute board of review 144 

Public inspection of records of 1 47 

Assignment of duties of Commissioners 214 

Assistants to the Engineer Commissioner: 

Details and duties of 141 

List of 210 

Auditor, District of Columbia, duties of, etc 174 

Avenues in the city of Washington, naming, width, etc 25 

Bathing beach 200 

Board — 

Of assistant assessors. 

Of personal-tax appraisers 158 

Of personal-tax appeals 159 

Board of charities, apiwintment and duties of 180 

217 



218 INDEX. 

Board of CUiildren'.s (juardiaiiH: Page. 

Appointment and duties of, etc- 1 82 

Power in re delinquent children 1S3 

Board of Connuissionens, organizati( m of, etc 211 

Board oi dental examiners 190 

B( lard of education 1 78 

Board of equalization and review: 

I Ii)\v constituted ."" 1-14 

Bower and duties of 145 

Time of meeting l-l'""' 

Shall hear apjieals from yearly assessmcMits H.") 

liuanl of h(>alth, list of meud")ers 20!) 

]>oard of medical examiners, ai)pointment, term, duties, etc 194 

Board of medical supervisors 195 

Board of jjublic works, list of members 209 

Boilers, insj)ection of 202 

Bond: 

Of Oommissioners 142 

Of asw^ssor 144 

Of contractors 1~7 

Biennial examiiialion of oll'icial 177 

Benewal of oflicia! 177 

Buildings: 

Annual listing of, for taxation -- 145 

l)aman'e(l or destroyeil, assessment shall he reduceil 145 

InsjM'ction of 202 

Number of new, sin:'i' 1S79 202 

Boundaries of the DislricI of Oohunhia 9, 14 

r)OUndaries of ( ie()rgelown 26 

Txinndary of the city of Washington 18 

Carrollsburg 10 

Census of the District of Cohuubia --- 1-^ 

Certificates of taxes and assessments 150 

Color, penal discrimination on ace -omit of, aholished 16 

Conunissioners api)ointe(l to lay out Histrict 7, 9, 23 

Commissioners of the Hislrict of ('olmid)ia: 

Alipointment of, tenure of ollict^ and (jualilications 141^ 

Ai)i)ointment and removal from olfice by / 143 

Board of, for transaction of business 142 

])resideut of 142 

quorum of 142 

P.oards of, list of 21 1 

Bond of 142 

Duties of, general 143 

subdivision of 142 

ex officio ^42 

assignment of, year 1 90."] 214 

Estimates of expenses for each fiscal vear must he snhmitled hy 143 

List of ■ 210 

Oath of, office of - 142 

Obligations, shall not incur without authority of Congress 143 

Political status of 142 

Salarv and 1 h )nd of 142 



INDEX. 219 

Page. 

Commissioners of pharmacy, api)ointineiit ami duties of 195 

CongreHS of the United States: Page. 

Jurisdiction of, over the District of ('oluiii})ia to be exchisive 6 

ti me of vesting of 11 

Meetings of — 

First in the District of Cohim])ia 12 

Previous i)hu'es of i;', 

Contracts: 

Im)!- j)nl)lic works, etc, in the District of ( 'ohnnhia 177 

("oroiicr, (hitic'S, etc L'Of) 

Counties, division of the District into 11 

Courts of tiie District of Columbia 20(5 

Dangerous structures, removing of ITjC 

Delegate to Congress 209 

Dental examiners 196 

Departments of General Government, transfer of, to Die District of ( 'olund)ia. 12 

Disl)ursements of moneys of the District of ( 'obnnbia 175 

District of Columbia: 

Authority for the establishment of (j 

Boundary lines of 9 

Census of 15 

Cession of land by Virginia and Maryland for , 8 

Commission appointed to lay out 7 

Congress to exercise exclusive jurisdiction over G 

Divided into counties 14 

( Jovernor of, a])pointment of 29 

House of delegates created for 29 

Incorporating of 11 

Location and topography of 5 

Map of 9 

Municipal government of, first established 29 

as first established, abolished 29 

present form establislied 29 

Naming of 11 

Oflicials of, for year 1903 212 

Part ceded by Virginia retroceded 14 

Present form of government for 141 

President's arrival in 12 

Seat of < iovi'rnment of the lTnite<l States to be in 6 

Slavery, abolition of, in 15 

Site < if, accepted 10 

Sites, first selected for 7 

Towns within boundaries of, at time of cession 10 

Drainages of lots, assessment for 156 

Duties of Commissioners, assignments of 214 

Electrical department 197 

Engineer Commissioner: 

Detail and duties of 141 

Detail and qualifications of assistants to 141 

Assistants to 1 4 1 , 210 

J'-stimates for the support of the government si lail be submitted by Commis- 
sioners 14;} 



220 INDEX. 

Kx(;ise board 174 

Exeuiptions — 

Of real property lioni taxation •. 147 

.special assessments 147 

Of i)ersonal property -. 161 

Fees and licenses, list of 105 

Fenwick map of the city of Cireorgetown ^ 26 

Fire department: 

Personnel, qualifications, etc 191 

Firemen's relief fund : 192 

Fire escapes, assessment for, if dwners, etc, fail to Imiid 157 

Fiscal year, beginning of 175 

Fhnir, inspection of 203 

Form of government (present) for the District of (Vjlumbia 141 

Garbage, etc. , disposal of 196 

Gas and meters, inspection of 204 

Georgetown: 

Additions to 27 

Boundaries of 26 

Charter of, revoked 27 

Consolidation of, witb \Vasiiin<;ton 27 

Establishment, naming, and early history 26 

"Fenwick map" of 26 

Tncorporatii )n of 26 

Oilicials of, how chosen 27 

Streets of, course of 27 

renametl 27 

title to 27 

wi. hh of 27 

Governor of llie District of (^tlmubia: 

A ppointed 29 

Office of, abolished 29 

Governors of tlie District of Columbia, list of 209 

Hamburg 10 

1 larl )( u- i ines 200 

1 larbor master 200 

1 lay scales 205 

Health dei)artment, duti(>s, vie, of h(»alth officer 193 

Highways: 

De(;lared to be post routes 25 

See also Streets and aveiuies. 

House connections, with water mains, sewers, etc., assessment for 152 

House of delegates established for the District of Colmnliia 29 

Housii of detention 189 

Industrial Home School ISO 

Insane, care, treatment, or transportation of 186 

1 nterest, legal I'ate of 207 

Jail \ 187 

Judiciary of the District of Columbia 20(5 

Laws in force in the District of Colund)ia 207 

L' Enfant, Maj. Pierre Charles 20 



INDEX. 221 

Levy Court: Page. 

Appointed 1)y the Preyideiit 28 

Abolished 29 

City of Washington to be represented in niemberHhip of 29 

Jurisdiction of, in the District of Cokimbia 28 

Membership of, reihiced 29 

Number of members and their assignments 28 

Library ( Carnegie) see Public) 180 

Licenses and fees, list of 105 

Lighting of streets, etc 197 

Ligliting tracks of steam railroad companies 157 

Lots in the city of Washington: 

Bought by tlie United States 22 

Donated to the United States 22 

Jjumber, inspection of 204 

Markets: 

Monthly rates for stalls 168 

Keceipts, etc 205 

Map of the District of Columbia 9 

Maryland, cession of land for site of District ) ly 8 

Mayors: 

Of Georgetown, list of 209 

Of Washington, list of 209 

Mayors of the city of Washington: 

Api)ointed by the President 23 

Elected by the people 24 

city counci I 24 

Medical examiners 194 

Medical supervisors 195 

Method of taxation in the District of Columbia 143 

Militia of the District of Columbia 208 

IMinor streets and alleys, oiiening, widening, etc., of 153 

Municipal corporation. District of Columljia created 11 

Muni(-ii)al government of the District of Columl)ia: 

First established 29 

Abolished 29 

Officials of 29 

Present form, establishment of 29 

Naming the District of ColumJjia 11 

Parks and parking 201 

Pavements, character ( if wcjrk, miles and sijuare yards of 198 

Personal property: 

Taxation of 158 

Subject to taxation, schedule of 158 

Schedule of, iiuist ))e advertised 159 

Appeal from appraisment 159 

Time of payment of tax for 160 

Exemptions of, from taxation 161 

Penalty for violation of personal-tax law 161 

Plumbing: 

Inspection of 204 

lioard of 204 



222 INDEX. 

Police department: ' i>,,j,(. 

rersonncl, etc 187 

(.iualilicatioiis of aj)i)licants for appointinciit \'.\ 187 

Special and addilidiial i>i)lice 188 

Appointment and removal of ixiIIccmiumi 189 

Patrol and ambnlance system ; 189 

Surgeons of lilO 

Pension fund ^ 190 

I'olicemen, .S[)ecial, at crossings, railroad ruiiipaiiics lo pay salary of 157 

Post routes, highways declart'c 1 to he 25 

Potomac River: 

Navigability of 5 

TiOwer falls on, as site for Federal town 7 

President of the United States: 

An official of the city of Washington 23 

Date of arrival in Washington 12 

Proposals: 

l'\)r muiucipal works ] 76 

I'or material, supplies, etc 176 

PuMit- buildings, ollicer in charge of, an odicjal of l!u- vltv of Wasiiingloii ... 23 

Public library 180 

Public: works, ]tro))osals for 17(5 

Rai 1 road compan i es : 

Steam, lo jiay cost for lighting streets, etc., along tra( ks 157 

Street, assessed for ]>aving adjacent to tracks 158 

length of track, etc I'.KS, 199 

Rate of taxation: 

On personal ])roperty Hi! 

On real i>roperty 116 

Real i)roperty: 

Assessed \al ue of, for 1 903 1 74 

Assessment of 11-1 

a])peal from 145 

Reassessment of, when subdivided 146 

Bought at tax sale for District of ( 'olundna 149 

Designations of ]>arcels of 151 

Exemptions of 147 

Listing of, annually 145 

Reassessment of taxes which have been declared void 150 

Records of assessor, ])ublic inspection of 147 

Reform schools 186 

Retents from contractors 1 78 

Revenue: 

Of the District of Colund)ia, sources of 143 

Collection and deposit of 150 

Schools: 

Board of education has control of 178 

Nmnber of j)upils and teachers in 179 

Expenditures for 179 

Sessions of 179 

Seal of District of Columbia 208 

Sealer of weights and measures: 

Fees for testing, st'aling, etc 173 

Duties, etc 203 



INDEX. 223 

Seat (jf governnicnt: Page. 

District of C<jluiiil)i:i cstal^lished as 6 

Temporary rcinoval of, authorized 14 

Secretaries of tiie District of Columbia 209 

Sewer system 1 99 

Sinking fund 1 7(5 

Slavery, abolition of, in the District of Columbia 15 

Snow, ice, dirt, etc. , assessment for removing of : 1 .17 

Squares, title to, in the city of Washington 11) 

Statute of limitations in District of Columbia 207 

Steam engineers 201 

Streets in the city of Washington: 

Naming of, width of, etc 24 

Title to lO, 21 

Streets and avenue?': 

Extensions of Irt'.] 

Lighting of 1 ; )7 

Character of pavements of 108 

Street cleaning 1 itO 

Street railways in District of Columbia 108 

Length of track of each 1 08 

Suffrage 17 

Supplies for District of Columljia 20.'; 

Surveyor, District of Columbia: 

Appointment and duties of IDi) 

Fees, etc 1 00 

Taxation in the Distrit-t of Columbia: 

Methods of 143 

Rate of, on real property 146 

Of personal property 158 

Taxes: 

Bills for, shall be prepared by assessor 146 

Date of payment of 147 

Sales for delintiuent ] -i 7, 148 

In arrears, publication of list of 147 

Certificate of sale for 148 

Deed, issue of, to owners of certificate of sale foi- 148 

Canceling invalid sales for 148 

Redemption of property sold for 140 

Surplus from sales for 140 

Property Ijid in by District of Columbia, at sales for 140 

List of property sold for, to be open to public insi)ectioii 150' 

Certificates of 150 

Declared void, reassessment of property for 150 

On personal property, etc 158 

time of payment 160 

Distraint sale for personal ] 60 

Rate of, on personal property 161 

Tax sales. {See Taxes. ) 

Transcripts of deeds, wills, etc 151 

Towns within boundary of District of Cohnnbia at time of cession 10 

Virginia: 

Cession of land for site Un- District by 8 

Retrocession of land to 14 






224 INDEX. 






Page. 

Voting in the District of Colnnil )ia 16 

Washington Asyhini 1 86 

Washington City: 

Acreage of 22 

Avenues in, naming, wi<Uh, etc ". 25 

Agreement of ])r( )j)rietors to convey land for 19 

Alleys in, original .^ 25 

Area of 19 

Boundaries of lajids of the original propi'ictors of 20 

Boundaries of 18 

Charter of, revoked 29 

Distribution of lots among original owners 21 

Donation of lots in, to the United States 22 

First charter of - 23 

Form of conveyance of land for 19 

Georgetown consolidated with 27 

Location of 17 

Mayors of, elected and api)ointed 23 

Naming of 22 

Officials of, first 23 

Plan of 20 

Represented in memljership of levy court 28 

Required to contribute to expense of levy c()urt 28 

Streets in, naming of, width of 24 

Title to streets and s<juares in 19 

Title of the United States in streets confirmed by the Supreme Court 21 

Washington County, creation of 14 

Water mains, assessment for, shall 1 )e uniform 154 

Water rent: 

Schedule of 170 

To be paid only when water is actually used 172 

Water supply ....." 199 

Weeds, assessment for removal of 156 

Weights and measures, fees for testing, sealing, etc 173 

Wharf property and harbor lines 200 

Wills, transcript of 151 

Wood, inspection and measurement of firewood -^ 203 

Workhouse 187, 



© 



